Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

City

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

Opinion: Don’t fall for modern-day eugenics

Subways are plastered with ads that treat biology like code — promising that even the randomness of heredity can be optimized, managed or eliminated.
Elena Meves, Contributing Writer December 4, 2025

When genetics and fertility startup Nucleus Genomics plastered ads across New York City’s subway stations urging riders to “have a smarter baby,” “have a taller baby”...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: Stop letting TikTok decide what’s on your plate

A food scene as diverse as New York’s shouldn’t be defined by the wills of influencers.
Annika Wilewicz, Deputy Opinion Editor December 2, 2025

Recently, I tried a brunch spot whose raving TikTok reviews boasted phenomenal pancakes. The videos that flooded my feed that week deemed them “100% worth it” and “life changing.”...

(Ryan Walker for WSN)

Opinion: Overpolicing won’t fix Washington Square Park

After crackdowns on drug enterprises, the park might feel safer. But at what cost?
Grace Carmody, Contributing Writer November 18, 2025

During my summer in the city, I spent hours sitting by the Washington Square Fountain, talking to those who came by: 20-somethings walking their dogs, filmmakers using the park...

New York City Transit employees pump water out of the A Line at Dyckman Street in Nov. 2012. (Courtesy photo by Patrick Cashin)

Opinion: NYC can’t handle the rain

As rainfall outpaces the city’s drainage system, floods are a worsening hazard for New Yorkers.
Serin Lee, Deputy Opinion Editor November 11, 2025

On Oct. 30, flash floods swept through New York City, leaving two dead in Manhattan and Brooklyn from being trapped in basements during the heavy rainstorm. Out-of-date drainage...

(Evan D'Souza for WSN)

Opinion: Mamdani’s inexperience should not be seen as weakness

Old ideas about experience plague politics, but Zohran Mamdani’s win shows it’s time to redefine what makes a leader ready.
Robin Young, Contributing Writer November 7, 2025

Zohran Mamdani made history Tuesday night as he was elected New York City’s youngest mayor in more than a century. For many, his victory signals a generational shift in what...

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

Opinion: What Mamdani’s win means to a daughter of immigrants

Zohran Mamdani refuses to assimilate to hateful and regressive politics, proudly championing the values that New York City’s immigrants and minorities embody.
Anjali Mehta, Deputy Managing Editor November 6, 2025

On Tuesday, I voted for Zohran Mamdani, alongside over one million other New Yorkers. He won the election for mayor, making history as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: Canvassing is the lifeblood of democracy

Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral run is a masterclass in grassroots movements, and should serve as an inspiration for future campaigns.
Zack Leitman, Contributing Writer November 6, 2025

At the beginning of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s canvassing events, we would all stand in a circle on the street and discuss why we each joined his campaign. I remember one older...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Editorial: The work has just begun

Zohran Mamdani’s victory proved that the city is ready for change, but it’s up to New Yorkers to see it through.
WSN Editorial Board November 5, 2025

After a race characterized by constant doubt and fearmongering, mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s victory feels like the end of a long, tumultuous road. For years, the Democratic...

(Angela Dong for WSN)

Opinion: Last week’s ICE raid was as terrifying as you think

As federal agents terrorize New York City, NYU students cannot afford to be indifferent.
Angela Dong, Contributing Writer October 27, 2025

On the afternoon of Oct. 21, I was walking through a typical, lively Chinatown, going from my dorm at Broome Street to Lafayette Hall. Tourists and locals milled through the neighborhood's...

(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)

Opinion: Trump is endangering critical NYC infrastructure

By withholding $18 billion for major transportation projects, the Trump administration is sacrificing jobs, mobility and the future of New York’s economy for political points.
Suhani Bhatt, Contributing Writer October 24, 2025

The ripple effects of the now three-week government shutdown are being felt by every industry across the country. But New York City has faced escalated scrutiny from the Trump...

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

Opinion: Free buses are great in principle but not in practice

Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to eliminate MTA bus fares could cost New Yorkers more than they realize.
Sam Bergheiser, Contributing Writer October 21, 2025

As the New York City mayoral election rapidly approaches, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani is poised to handily win — a result of his down-to-earth, social media-savvy campaigning...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Opinion: Mamdani is right to scrap NYC’s gifted program

Our city should look into more suitable alternatives that can offer top notch education for all students — not just those deemed "gifted."
Maggie Turner, Opinion Editor October 8, 2025

Growing up as a student in a Delaware gifted program, I was provided with a rewarding and engaging curriculum that challenged me in the classroom. This accelerated learning experience...