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Columbia University officials are accusing federal agents of lying to gain entry to a campus building early Thursday morning, leading to the dramatic detention of a popular international student with a massive social media following.
Ellie Aghayeva
In a developing story that has ignited tensions between immigration enforcement and academic institutions, Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University senior attending on an international visa, was taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security agents in what university leadership is calling a “misrepresentation” of facts to gain access to the student.
The Pre-Dawn Raid
According to Columbia University’s acting president Claire Shipman, the incident unfolded around 6:30 a.m. Thursday when DHS agents arrived at a residential building on the New York City campus. Shipman alleges the agents gained entry by falsely claiming they were searching for a “missing person” – a tactic she strongly condemned in a letter to the campus community.
Ellie Aghayeva
“Federal agents misrepresented themselves to gain entry into our residential building,” Shipman wrote, emphasizing that law enforcement must present a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public university spaces, not merely an administrative warrant.
Who Is Ellie Aghayeva?
Identified by both The New York Times and Columbia’s student newspaper, the Columbia Spectator, the detained student is Ellie Aghayeva, a senior with significant digital influence. Aghayeva commands over 100,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, making her one of the more visible international students on campus.
Ellie Aghayeva
As news of her detention spread, Aghayeva posted on her Instagram story in the early morning hours: “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.” The post has since circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing attention from fellow students, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
Legal Questions Mount
The circumstances surrounding Aghayeva’s detention raise serious legal questions about federal agents’ authority on university campuses. Shipman’s letter stressed that administrative warrants – which are typically issued by federal agencies themselves without judicial oversight – do not grant automatic access to university facilities.
Forbes has reached out to DHS for official comment on the allegations, but the agency has not yet responded to requests for clarification about the operation or the legal basis for the detention.
Political Leaders Respond
The incident has already drawn sharp criticism from New York City political leaders. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, joined by Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, both Columbia College alumni, issued a joint statement defending immigrant communities and criticizing federal enforcement tactics.
Ellie Aghayeva
“ICE has no place in our schools and universities. These activities do not make our city or country safer, but rather drive mistrust and danger,” Menin and Abreu said. “As Columbia College alumni, our hearts are with the community there, and we have been in contact with the University to offer our assistance.”
The statement reflects growing tensions between local governments and federal immigration authorities, particularly in sanctuary cities like New York that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement.
Campus Climate Concerns
The detention comes at a particularly sensitive time for Columbia University, which has been at the center of national debates about campus protests, free speech, and international student rights. International students make up a significant portion of Columbia’s student body, contributing both to the university’s academic excellence and its cultural diversity.
For many international students watching this case unfold, the incident raises concerns about their own vulnerability to federal enforcement actions. University officials have not indicated whether Aghayeva had any prior immigration issues or what specific allegations led to her detention.
What Happens Next
Legal experts suggest the case could become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about immigration enforcement on college campuses. The distinction between administrative warrants and judicial warrants – central to Columbia’s criticism of the operation – may become a key legal battleground.
Immigration advocates are likely to rally around Aghayeva’s case, given her social media prominence and the allegations of federal misrepresentation. Meanwhile, DHS may face pressure to explain both the basis for the detention and the tactics used to access the building.
For now, Aghayeva remains in federal custody, her Instagram post serving as a digital cry for help that has reached hundreds of thousands of followers and counting. The university has not indicated what legal support it may offer the detained student, though Shipman’s strong public statement suggests Columbia will not remain silent on the matter.
As this story continues to develop, it underscores the increasingly fraught relationship between federal immigration enforcement and American higher education – with a popular international student’s future hanging in the balance.
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New ad-supported lineup brings classic Westerns, sitcoms, tattoo competitions, and Spanish-language hits to The Roku Channel
If you’re tired of stacking up monthly streaming bills, Roku just handed you a serious win. The company quietly added six brand-new free channels to The Roku Channel, available right now on every Roku TV and streaming player. No subscriptions. No hidden fees. Just hit the channel numbers and start watching.
The Roku Channel
This drop is a big deal for cord-cutters who love nostalgia, reality TV drama, or content in Spanish. Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how you can start binging today.
What’s Streaming for Free?
Roku’s latest expansion leans hard into retro comfort food and niche passion points. Here’s every channel landing on your home screen:
The Roku Channel
Channel 313 – Rawhide (Classic Westerns)
Before Clint Eastwood was a Hollywood icon, he was Rowdy Yates on this gritty black-and-white Western. Rawhide follows a crew of cattle drovers battling outlaws, storms, and their own rivalries across the American frontier. The channel runs episodes 24/7, so you can drop into any cattle drive at any time. Think dusty trails, moral showdowns, and that unmistakable whistling theme song. Watch Rawhide on Roku
Channel 314 – The Beverly Hillbillies (Timeless Sitcoms)
One of the funniest fish-out-of-water stories ever made. The Clampett family strikes oil, moves from the backwoods to Beverly Hills, and turns high society upside down. Granny’s “rheumatism medicine,” Jethro’s sixth-grade education, and Elly May’s critters deliver laughs that somehow still land today. The channel loops episodes nonstop—perfect for background noise or a full nostalgia trip. Stream The Beverly Hillbillies free
The Roku Channel
Channel 624 – Ink Master (Reality Competition)
Tattoo artists face off in high-stakes challenges: intricate designs, themed canvases, brutal client requests, and elimination rounds judged by industry legends. Expect meltdowns, masterpieces, and plenty of “that’s gotta hurt” moments. If you love Forged in Fire or Blown Away, this channel delivers the same pressure-cooker energy—just with more needles. Binge Ink Master on Roku
Channel 815 – Toso.o (Specialty Entertainment)
This one’s a bit of a wild card. Roku hasn’t spilled all the details yet, but early broadcasts suggest a mix of eclectic programming—think indie shorts, underground music performances, or experimental storytelling. It’s the kind of channel you flip to when you’re tired of the usual suspects. Keep an eye on this slot as the lineup evolves.
The Roku Channel
Channel 978 – MTV en Español
Finally, a dedicated Spanish-language hub from MTV. This channel serves up music videos, reality shows, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle content tailored for Latino audiences. From reggaeton chart-toppers to behind-the-scenes clips of rising Latin stars, it’s built for younger viewers who want global pop culture with regional flavor. No more hunting for Spanish-dubbed versions—just tune in. Explore MTV en Español
(Note: The original announcement accidentally listed Ink Master, Toso.o, and MTV en Español twice. We’ve cleaned it up for you.)
Why This Matters for US Viewers
Streaming inflation is real. Netflix, Max, Disney+, and others have raised prices repeatedly. Meanwhile, The Roku Channel now offers hundreds of free live TV channels alongside thousands of on-demand movies and shows. These six additions aren’t filler—they’re legit hits with built-in fan bases.
For boomers and Gen X:Rawhide and The Beverly Hillbillies are pure comfort rewinds.
For millennials and Gen Z:Ink Master brings reality competition chaos, and MTV en Español taps into Latin music’s mainstream explosion.
For the curious: Toso.o is a low-risk adventure.
And because it’s ad-supported, you only pay with a few commercial breaks—exactly like old-school TV, but free.
The Roku Channel
How to Start Watching
If you own a Roku TV or any Roku streaming player, just open The Roku Channel app. Type the channel numbers (313, 314, 624, 815, or 978) into the guide, or search by show name. No extra downloads, no credit card required.
Don’t have a Roku? You can still access The Roku Channel on the web, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TVs, and via the mobile app. But the channel-number experience works best on Roku hardware.
The Bottom Line
Roku just made its free platform stronger without charging a dime. In a world where every service wants another monthly fee, that’s a rare win for your wallet. Whether you’re here for Clint Eastwood’s early swagger, Granny’s possum recipes, or tattoo ink flying under pressure, there’s something new to stream tonight.
Head to The Roku Channel now and start watching. Your bank account will thank you.
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Table of Contents – Terry Crews
Rebecca King Crews Beats Tremors After Breakthrough Procedure – “I Can Write My Name Again”
USA PEOPLE – For nearly a decade, Rebecca King Crews – wife of Hollywood star Terry Crews – struggled with a mystery. Doctors kept telling her the shaking hands and numb foot were just anxiety. But she knew something was deeply wrong.
terry crews
Now, at 60 years old, she’s finally sharing the truth: Rebecca has Parkinson’s disease. And in an exclusive interview with the TODAY show, she revealed a stunning comeback thanks to a brand-new, non-surgical procedure approved by the FDA just last year.
“I feel good. I’m able to write my name and my dates, and I’m able to write with my right hand for the first time in probably three years.” – Rebecca King Crews
Her nightmare began back in 2012 with numbness in her left foot during a workout. That turned into a limp. Then her trainer noticed her left arm wasn’t swinging right. One morning, while putting on lip gloss, she saw her hand shaking.
terry crews
“My grandmother had tremors –Terry Crews knew exactly what that was,” Rebecca says.
But her primary doctor? He blamed over-exercising and anxiety. Even a neurologist was stumped. It took three long years and a Parkinson’s specialist to finally give her the real diagnosis in 2015.
The hardest part wasn’t the diagnosis – it was the daily humiliation. Tremors made it nearly impossible to brush her teeth, put on makeup, or even write a check.
But Rebecca refused to stop. While still searching for answers, she was writing a book, recording an album, and launching a clothing line. Her motto?
“Just keep walking. You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
That fighting spirit led her to a game-changing treatment: Bilateral Focused Ultrasound – a non-invasive procedure using MRI-guided sound waves to zap the exact brain areas causing movement problems. Unlike deep brain stimulation, there’s no incision, no implant, and recovery is fast.
terry crews
The device, called Exablate Neuro from Insightec, was approved for one side of the brain in 2021. But last July, the FDA expanded approval to both sides – a huge leap for advanced Parkinson’s patients.
Rebecca had the procedure on March 4. The results were immediate.
Right-hand tremor? Gone.
Balance? Dramatically improved.
Walking? Feels normal again.
She’s already cut back on medication. The only catch? Her left side symptoms remain – so she’s going back this September to get the left side treated.
terry crews
When her husband Terry saw her write her own name for the first time in three years, he got choked up.
“She’s a superhero. She’s the rock of our lives. When they say ‘sickness and health,’ this is the battle we were designed to fight together.”
This isn’t the first health war Rebecca has won. In 2020, she had a double mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis. Through it all, Terry says they’ve built each other up for nearly 37 years.
Today, Rebecca still drives, plays piano, and attends acting class. She’s not waiting for a cure – she’s living fully right now. But she went public for a reason: to give others hope.
“I wanted to potentially make it more available to others, because it’s an expensive surgery, it’s not covered by insurance yet. And to give hope to people with Parkinson’s – I believe we’re going to find the cure.”
Terry echoes that optimism:
“We feel hopeful. We really feel like we are on the edge of a cure for Parkinson’s. We felt like we had to share this with the world.”
Terry Crews For millions of Americans living with Parkinson’s – or watching a loved one struggle – Rebecca’s story is more than a celebrity headline. It’s a real, tangible reason to believe that better days are coming.
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7 Powerful Ways to Save Money Now
Gas prices in the United States have risen for the 12th consecutive day, and the pain at the pump is becoming impossible to ignore. Fueled by escalating tensions in the Middle East — particularly the conflict with Iran — crude oil prices continue their relentless climb, squeezing household budgets across the country.
In Minnesota alone, the average gas price shot up 4 cents overnight to $3.29 per gallon — a staggering 18-cent jump in just one week. Drivers commuting between cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul are already feeling the crunch, with many desperately searching for smart, proven ways to cut fuel costs.
The good news? You have more control over your fuel spending than you might think. In this guide, we break down 7 powerful, proven strategies to help you save money on gas — starting today.
Why Are Gas Prices Rising? The Real Story Behind the Spike
The current surge in gas prices is largely driven by geopolitical instability. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has rattled global oil markets, pushing crude oil futures higher and triggering a cascading effect at gas stations nationwide.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated that the price rise is expected to be temporary — but with no clear resolution in sight for Middle East tensions, American consumers need actionable steps to cope right now.
7 Proven Ways to Save Money on Gas Right Now
1. Check Your Tire Pressure — It’s Free and Effective
One of the most overlooked gas-saving techniques is maintaining proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to burn more fuel to move the vehicle forward.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3% simply by keeping your tires properly inflated. Check the recommended PSI on the sticker inside your driver’s door — not the number on the tire itself — and inflate accordingly.
2. Slow Down on the Highway
Speed is one of the biggest killers of fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that fuel economy typically decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph can cost you an additional 7–14% in fuel costs. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed and maximize every drop of gas.
3. Avoid Hard Acceleration and Aggressive Driving
Jackrabbit starts and sudden braking are gas-guzzling habits. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipating stops ahead of time can improve your fuel economy by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic, according to the Department of Energy. Think of the accelerator as a tool for efficiency, not just speed.
4. Reduce Unnecessary Weight in Your Vehicle
Your car’s engine works harder — and burns more fuel — the heavier the load. Clear out your trunk and back seat of any items you don’t need on every trip. Roof racks and cargo carriers also create aerodynamic drag, which hurts fuel economy even when they’re empty. Remove them when not in use.
The EPA estimates that an extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce fuel economy by about 1%. It adds up over thousands of miles.
5. Use a Gas Price Comparison App
Never pay more than you have to. Apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and Google Maps show you real-time gas prices at stations near you. Spending 30 seconds checking the app before filling up can save you 5–20 cents per gallon — that’s real money over a full tank and hundreds of fill-ups per year.
6. Combine Errands Into One Trip
Cold engines use more fuel. Every time you start a cold car and make a short trip, you’re burning gas inefficiently. Plan your errands so you can complete them in one outing, and try to start with the farthest destination so your engine has time to warm up fully. This simple habit can cut your weekly fuel consumption meaningfully.
7. Consider a Fuel Rewards Program or Cash-Back Credit Card
Many major gas station chains — including Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil — offer loyalty rewards programs that knock cents off per gallon. Pairing these with a cash-back credit card that offers fuel rewards (such as the Costco Anywhere Visa or PenFed Platinum Rewards Card) can stack your savings even further.
What Experts Are Saying About the Gas Price Outlook
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has described the current price spike as temporary, citing the volatile nature of oil markets during geopolitical conflicts. However, analysts at the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) caution that there is no definitive timeline for relief while conflict in the Middle East continues.
For everyday Americans — especially those commuting long distances in states like Minnesota — the impact is immediate and real. The strategies above aren’t just theoretical; they’re the same habits that fuel-efficient drivers use every day to dramatically reduce their spending at the pump.
The Bottom Line: Take Back Control of Your Gas Budget
Gas prices may be out of your control — but your fuel habits aren’t. By combining proper tire maintenance, smart driving techniques, and modern price-comparison tools, you can realistically save $20–$60 or more per month depending on how much you drive.
Bookmark this article, share it with a friend who’s frustrated at the pump, and start implementing these tips today. Every cent saved is a win — especially when the Middle East conflict shows no signs of quick resolution.