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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

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(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Off Topic: Epstein conspiracy theories bury a painful reality

The Epstein files reveal the true scope of sexual violence — but indulgent speculation squashes the prospect of proper accountability.
Grace Carmody, Staff Writer March 2, 2026

Content warning: This article contains mention of rape and sexual assault. The Epstein files captured the attention of people around the world when social media users were exposed...

(Noelle Darts for WSN)

Off Topic: It’s time to leave zoos in the past

The Central Park Zoo’s so-called animal haven isn’t the sanctuary we think it is.
Nikolai Kovach, Staff Writer February 25, 2026

At the Central Park Zoo, you can explore one of our planet’s greatest assets: its biological diversity. With snow leopards from Central Asia, lemurs from Africa, grizzly bears...

(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)

Off Topic: With prediction markets, everything is for sale

Apps like Kalshi and Polymarket are gamifying politics, profiting from chaos and redefining how wealth affects current events.
Nikolai Kovach, Contributing Writer February 19, 2026

Everything is for sale. A concept usually reserved for goods and services now allots for buying and selling the future. On apps like Kalshi and Polymarket, users wager on questions...

(Kyra Reilley and Allina Xiao for WSN)

Off Topic: Don Lemon’s arrest proves journalism is here to stay

The former CNN journalist’s arrest should be a wake up call to Americans about the censorship taking place under President Donald Trump.
Nikolai Kovach, Contributing Writer February 6, 2026

Last Thursday, former CNN journalist Don Lemon was arrested outside his Los Angeles hotel. Even as Lemon did not resist, a number of FBI and Homeland Security agents insisted on...

(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Off Topic: The EPA’s new policy denies your right to life

The Environmental Protection Agency recently stated that it would no longer factor in the cost of life when regulating certain chemicals, leaving U.S. citizens in the dust.
Jasper Ralph, Contributing Writer February 4, 2026

Within one life, there is endless possibility, joy, experience and worth. A life, for most of us, is the most valuable thing there is — to the Trump administration, however,...

(Courtesy of amanderson2)

Off Topic: Greenland is not for sale, but that won’t stop Trump

President Donald Trump’s obsession with Greenland is the latest example of his transactional political instinct.
Leila Abarca, Staff Writer January 29, 2026

It didn’t take very long into the new year for President Donald Trump to abandon all pretenses, making it clear that he sees U.S. alliances as transactional relationships and...

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Off Topic: Corporate greed is ruining holiday magic

Toxic trend cycles and overconsumption are diverting attention from the real meaning of the holiday season.
Grace Carmody, Staff Writer December 12, 2025

From preparing a Ralph Lauren Christmas to scrolling through Clean-Girl Gift Guides, the pressure to consume skyrockets every holiday season. Social media sorts consumers into...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Off Topic: Spotify’s Discovery Mode is just another corporate cash-grab

Some artists are now taking pay cuts for the chance to reach more listeners — and Spotify doesn’t disclose which ones.
Suhani Bhatt, Contributing Writer December 8, 2025

Spotify has built its success on features that feel indispensable — from personalized daylists, blends with other users and the ubiquitous popularity of Spotify Wrapped. However,...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Off Topic: Vintage tech can help Gen Z fight digital fatigue

When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your phone, try swapping Spotify for a CD player.
Yael Grosman, Contributing Writer December 5, 2025

At present, society is deeply entrenched in technology throughout virtually every aspect of life. Younger generations grew up never knowing a world without screens. But in the...

(Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Off Topic: TikTok’s quarter-zip trend is bigger than fashion

A viral post about sweaters opened the door to deeper questions about how Black identity is judged online.
Robin Young, Contributing Writer November 25, 2025

It started with a smiling Black man who posted a TikTok in a navy blue quarter-zip sweater, casually declaring himself a “quarter zip dude now.” The video was fun and playful,...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Off Topic: Trump’s obsession with ICE is endangering America

The Department of Homeland Security is persecuting victims of human trafficking more than perpetrators.
Grace Carmody, Staff Writer November 24, 2025

A recent New York Times investigation revealed that President Donald Trump has been reallocating resources from the Department of Homeland Security to go toward personnel, law...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Off Topic: Epstein’s legacy proves the king can bleed

The Epstein Files Transparency Act has created divisions among Republicans. Only time will tell who is implicated and who is protected.
Noah Zaldivar, Opinion Editor November 21, 2025

After months of bureaucratic delay and years of being trivialized as nutjob conspiracy fodder, the Epstein scandal has ostensibly taken one of its final steps toward being unraveled....