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

Manasa Gudavalli

Manasa Gudavalli, Editor-in-Chief

Manasa Gudavalli is a super senior studying a super strange combination of psychology, mathematics, journalism, and chemistry. When they are not editing the Washington Square News, they are probably reading Freud, watching college football, or developing film photos. You can find them on Instagram @manasa.gudavalli and @gudavalli.photography.

All content by Manasa Gudavalli
(Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Two NYU profs, one alum receive 2021 MacArthur Fellowships

Carmo Moniz, Contributing Writer October 26, 2021

(Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

India Walton is a democratic socialist who won the Buffalo’s mayoral Democratic primary in June. While Buffalo’s majority-Democratic electorate would typically ensure Walton’s election as mayor, some of her fellow Democrats have refused to endorse her. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Opinion: Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton deserves Democrats’ endorsement

October 26, 2021

India Walton is a democratic socialist who won the Buffalo’s mayoral Democratic primary in June. While Buffalo’s majority-Democratic electorate would typically ensure Walton’s...

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Ranked: NYU Returns’ COVID emails

October 25, 2021

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Ranked: NYU Returns’ COVID emails

Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung October 25, 2021

The email from Oct. 6 listed out the few permitted locations where students can dine. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Many New York Giants fans have been disappointed in the team’s performance during the first six weeks of the NFL season. But fans should not lose hope — there is still a chance for a comeback. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Searching for silver linings in the Giants’ bleak season start

October 25, 2021

Many New York Giants fans have been disappointed in the team’s performance during the first six weeks of the NFL season. But fans should not lose hope — there is still a chance...

The New York Knicks surprised fans last season with their early success. Still, there are a number of steps that they could take in order to improve further this season. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: How the Knicks can follow up on last season’s unexpected success

October 25, 2021

The New York Knicks surprised fans last season with their early success. Still, there are a number of steps that they could take in order to improve further this season. (Staff...

NYU students, faculty and staff can now have their university ID cards reprinted to reflect chosen names and gender-affirming photos. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU offers free new ID cards to reflect chosen names, updated photos

October 22, 2021

NYU students, faculty and staff can now have their university ID cards reprinted to reflect chosen names and gender-affirming photos. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, will be NYU's new multi-use building. NYU brands the building as sustainable, but the university’s board still includes members who have ties to oil and gas companies. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: NYU is using 181 Mercer for corporate greenwashing

October 20, 2021

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, will be NYU's new multi-use building. NYU brands the building as sustainable, but the university’s board still...

The new Merck COVID-19 treatment pill is currently awaiting FDA approval. Though the pill is effective at treating early-stage COVID patients, vaccines are still our best chance at ending the pandemic. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: The COVID-19 vaccines remain the best weapons against the pandemic

October 19, 2021

The new Merck COVID-19 treatment pill is currently awaiting FDA approval. Though the pill is effective at treating early-stage COVID patients, vaccines are still our best chance...

LaGuardia Airport might be one of the worst airports in the United States, but it's a great place to cry. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Ranked: Places to cry in NYC

Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung October 18, 2021

LaGuardia Airport might be one of the worst airports in the United States, but it's a great place to cry. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, is NYU's new multi-use building. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Bird-safe glass design at 181 Mercer saves wildlife and energy

Alex Tey, Deputy Managing Editor October 18, 2021

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, is NYU's new multi-use building. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Sunrise NYU held a rally in Washington Square Park on Oct. 15. The climate justice group relaunched its initiative pushing NYU to divest from fossil fuels and private prisons. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Sunrise NYU revives university divestment campaign

Rachel Fadem, Deputy News Editor October 18, 2021

Students Dylan Wahbe and Paige Anderson address the crowd in front of Kaufman Management Center. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

“Call of Duty: Vanguard,” the newest installment in the “Call of Duty” series, will be released on Nov. 5. The multiplayer beta, which allowed players to try the game’s multiplayer mode before release, proves to be promising despite a few issues. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Review: 'Call of Duty: Vanguard' beta revives the first-person shooter

October 18, 2021

“Call of Duty: Vanguard,” the newest installment in the “Call of Duty” series, will be released on Nov. 5. The multiplayer beta, which allowed players to try the game’s...

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has called on wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions. As an investor in the fossil fuel industry himself, his actions contradict his rhetoric. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Editorial: Larry Fink is a climate hypocrite

WSN Editorial Board October 18, 2021

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has called on wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions. As an investor in the fossil fuel industry himself, his actions contradict his...

NYU transitioned from NYU Classes to their new platform Brightspace for students to view their syllabi and assignments. While Brightspace is designed to be a schoolwide system, many professors still choose to use other independent websites. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: NYU should make professors use Brightspace

October 14, 2021

NYU transitioned from NYU Classes to their new platform Brightspace for students to view their syllabi and assignments. While Brightspace is designed to be a schoolwide system,...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

A first look at a new concert by Tisch Dance students

Second Avenue Dance Company’s October concert will run Oct. 7-9 at the Jack Crystal Theater. Managing Editor Alexandra Chan brings you these photos from the dress rehearsal.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor October 8, 2021

Tisch Dance’s Second Avenue Dance Company will premiere its October concert this weekend. It will feature nine pieces, with guest choreographers Yin Yue and Dwight Roden each...

On Thursday, Oct. 7, law students rallied outside the Park Avenue headquarters of LexisNexis. NYU School of Law students joined students from more than 20 law schools across the country to demand that universities end their contracts with legal databases Westlaw and LexisNexis to pressure their owners to cut ties with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Law students push for NYU to cut ties with legal databases over ICE links

Suhail Gharaibeh, Deputy News Editor October 8, 2021

The End the Contract Coalition demands that universities end their contracts with LexisNexis to pressure their owners to cut ties with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement....

NYU students protested when former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe Vélez was invited to speak at an NYU event about sustainability and climate politics. NYU is not doing a sufficient job of acknowledging the contributions that the Latine community has made to the university. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: Why doesn’t NYU celebrate Latine workers’ and students’ contributions during Hispanic Heritage Month?

October 7, 2021

NYU students protested when former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe Vélez was invited to speak at an NYU event about sustainability and climate politics. NYU is not doing a sufficient...

Students in class at the 6 Washington Place academic building. NYU faculty have voiced concerns about the university’s COVID-19’s safety guidelines. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Faculty research challenges NYU's claims of little to no risk of classroom COVID-19 transmission

October 7, 2021

Students in class at the 6 Washington Place academic building. NYU faculty have voiced concerns about the university’s COVID-19’s safety guidelines. (Staff Photo by Manasa...

Bowllin’ restaurant is located on Waverly Place. With new management, a familiar favorite has become unrecognizable. (Photo by ​​Camille Harvell)

An obituary for Bowllin’

It’s not actually closed. It’s just dead to me.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor October 6, 2021

I was catfished by a restaurant.  For the uninitiated, Bowllin’ is a Korean barbecue bowls restaurant located right off of Washington Square Park on Waverly Place. My...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: September edition

LALISA was tragic. We would tell you to form your own opinions, but we know you will agree with us. 
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung October 1, 2021

Welcome to the first edition of the K-pop burn book! Joey and Alex are bona fide fans who want to take advantage of every opportunity to write about K-pop the way Billboard won’t....

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Photo: 8 NYC burritos worthy of the West Coast 

Clara Spray, Staff Writer April 6, 2023

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Photo: Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month at Zaragoza

Gabby Lozano, Dining Editor October 1, 2021

The shelves of Zaragoza are stacked with traditional Mexican foods and brands. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

30 Cooper Sq. is an office building located near NYU’s campus. Recent graduates are having difficulties finding jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Recent NYU graduates search for jobs, but find bleak prospects instead

September 30, 2021

30 Cooper Sq. is an office building located near NYU’s campus. Recent graduates are having difficulties finding jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

The Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Film Center is located at 36 E 8th St. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Packed classrooms provoke COVID concerns

Abby Wilson and Alisha Meghani September 29, 2021

The Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Film Center is located at 36 E 8th St. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Central Park during the fall offers a pleasant pocket of nature. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Ten ways to enjoy fall in the city

The Culture Desk September 30, 2021

Central Park during the fall offers a pleasant pocket of nature. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Tandon’s senior leadership and members of the Department of Campus Safety hosted a town hall at Tandon’s Dibner Library on Sept. 23. They addressed the shooting of an NYU student outside a Tandon building, and students voiced concerns and asked questions about the shooting and the university's communication and response. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: At Tandon town hall, NYU confronts the aftermath of Sept. 21 shooting

September 27, 2021

Tandon’s senior leadership and members of the Department of Campus Safety hosted a town hall at Tandon’s Dibner Library on Sept. 23. They addressed the shooting of an NYU student...

Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance have been protesting against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s debt relief plan for taxi workers outside City Hall for the past eight days. The plan is weak and does not do enough to financially protect taxi drivers. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Editorial: NYC taxi drivers deserve better than de Blasio’s deal

September 27, 2021

Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance have been protesting against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s debt relief plan for taxi workers outside City Hall for the past eight days....

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, is NYU's new multi-use building. The building is expected to open in fall 2022. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Controversial 181 Mercer building now slated for fall 2022 opening

September 24, 2021

181 Mercer St., located between Bleecker and West Houston Streets, is NYU's new multi-use building. The building is expected to open in fall 2022. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

An email sent by the NYU Department of Campus Safety contained the subject line “Simple Assault - Hate Crime,” but did not define the legal term “simple assault” in the alert. Many members of the university community are now confused about what the term "simple assault" means. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Explained: ‘Simple assault’ and the confusion surrounding NYU’s alert emails

September 20, 2021

An email sent by the NYU Department of Campus Safety contained the subject line “Simple Assault - Hate Crime,” but did not define the legal term “simple assault” in the...

Mooncakes are a dessert that are eaten in some countries to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival. The festival, which begins tomorrow, is an important holiday in Asian cultures that honors unity and family. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: More than a mooncake: Students celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with beloved dessert

September 20, 2021

Mooncakes are a dessert that are eaten in some countries to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival. The festival, which begins tomorrow, is an important holiday in Asian cultures that...

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards returns to its live format to celebrate the channel’s 40th anniversary. The 2021 VMAs were held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September 12. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: The most notable performances from the 2021 VMAs

September 17, 2021

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards returns to its live format to celebrate the channel’s 40th anniversary. The 2021 VMAs were held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September...

Classes at SPS and Liberal Studies cannot be accommodated on campus due to overflow. Nearby St. John’s University will house classes for the fall semester. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Some courses to be held at St. John’s campus due to classroom shortage

September 17, 2021

Classes at SPS and Liberal Studies cannot be accommodated on campus due to overflow. Nearby St. John’s University will house classes for the fall semester. (Staff Photo by Manasa...

Many current sophomores spent their freshman year of college online. Because of this, the return to in-person classes is a big adjustment for them to make. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: For sophomores, a brief glimpse into the first-year experience

September 16, 2021

Many current sophomores spent their freshman year of college online. Because of this, the return to in-person classes is a big adjustment for them to make. (Staff Photo by Manasa...

Every year, many students transfer to NYU from other colleges. NYU should take the steps to ensure that they feel welcome. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: NYU must create a more welcoming community for transfer students

September 16, 2021

Every year, many students transfer to NYU from other colleges. NYU should take the steps to ensure that they feel welcome. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

The Washington Mews Language Houses are located between Fifth Avenue and University Place. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Ranked: NYU classroom buildings

Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung September 16, 2021

The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is located at 251 Mercer St. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, started yesterday evening. Many students are finding it hard to break fast while also complying with NYU’s restrictions. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Observing Yom Kippur during COVID-19

September 16, 2021

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, started yesterday evening. Many students are finding it hard to break fast while also complying with NYU’s restrictions. (Staff...

Video games depend on delivery on many different fronts. Stars Wars: Battlefront II is close to that but not quite. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ lacks gameplay balance

September 15, 2021

Video games depend on delivery on many different fronts. Stars Wars: Battlefront II is close to that but not quite. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: NYU alum O’Neill illuminates Rainbow Room with Markarian debut

Sixx Orange, Contributing Writer September 13, 2021

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

The four recent groping incidents reported by NYU students occurred on or near campus. The incident that occurred on the sidewalk near 721 Broadway in Manhattan is the fourth such incident in less than two weeks, all of which appear to be perpetrated by the same individual. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Another student groped on campus as string of sexual assaults continues

The four recent groping incidents reported by NYU students occurred on or near campus. The incident that occurred on the sidewalk near 721 Broadway in Manhattan is the fourth such...

Though historical revisionism is an issue in video games, taking liberties with the details can enhance the game play experience. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: ‘Call of Duty: Vanguard’ demands historical distortion

September 20, 2021

Though historical revisionism is an issue in video games, taking liberties with the details can enhance the game play experience. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

In light of Texas passing a law banning abortions after six weeks, many memes comparing the law to the novel The Handmaid’s Tale have been posted on social media. These memes ignore the people most historically impacted by reproductive rights — people of color. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: White women, Texas is not your personal ‘Handmaid’s Tale’

September 9, 2021

In light of Texas passing a law banning abortions after six weeks, many memes comparing the law to the novel The Handmaid’s Tale have been posted on social media. These memes...

Mamoun’s Falafel has locations in Greenwich Village and East Village. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: 10 food spots under $12

Gabby Lozano, Dining Editor September 8, 2021

Mamoun’s Falafel has locations in Greenwich Village and East Village. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from August

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Kacey Musgraves, BTS and more.

August may have slipped away into a moment in time — and sipped away like a bottle of wine — but that doesn’t mean August releases have to! If you feel like refreshing your...

"Donda", the tenth studio album by Kanye West, was released on August 29, 2021. This album is composed of twenty-seven tracks, approximating a two-hour runtime altogether. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Review: 'Donda' is a godsend

August 31, 2021

"Donda", the tenth studio album by Kanye West, was released on August 29, 2021. This album is composed of twenty-seven tracks, approximating a two-hour runtime altogether. (Staff...

Here’s a look at Times Square through the lenses of two photographers during the pandemic and the thought process behind the shots. (Staff Photos by Alexandra Chan, Jake Capriotti)

Exposures: Jake and Alex capture Times Square in 2020

Two WSN photographers revisit a mid-pandemic photo shoot at New York City’s iconic Times Square from one year ago, diving into the thought process behind the photographs
Alexandra Chan and Jake Capriotti August 29, 2021

  Follow the photographers on Instagram at @noelle.png and @capriotti.jake. Contact Alexandra Chan at [email protected] and Jake Capriotti at [email protected]

(Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Slices of Home

Places in New York City that remind us of home, or otherwise hold a special place in our hearts.
Ashley Wu, Caitlin Hsu and Alexandra Chan August 25, 2021

China Chalet By Ashley Wu, Editor in Chief The first thing I remember about China Chalet is the sidewalk. Cigarette butts and loose sequins scattered the pavement outside...

Despite not looking or behaving similarly, Asian actress students are constantly mixed up by their NYU professors. U.S. media perpetuates racial microaggressions by either having stereotypical Asian characters or having white-washed characters played by white women. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: We are both Asian, but we look nothing alike

August 25, 2021

Despite not looking or behaving similarly, Asian actress students are constantly mixed up by their NYU professors. U.S. media perpetuates racial microaggressions by either having...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from July

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Bo Burnham, Peggy Gou and more.

WSN’s music desk is no longer on summer hiatus. While the staff took a short break, the music world delivered hundreds of singles to sift through and enjoy. And yet, through...

The Knicks proved their doubters wrong in the 2020-21 season, finishing 41-31 and making the playoffs. This offseason is key to continuing their success. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: What's next for the Knicks?

June 30, 2021

The Knicks proved their doubters wrong in the 2020-21 season, finishing 41-31 and making the playoffs. This offseason is key to continuing their success. (Staff Illustration by...

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 Laguardia Pl. In March 2018, the center hosted performances of Gob Squad's 'War and Peace.' (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Revisiting Gob Squad’s performance techniques in a time of remote theater

May 6, 2021

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 Laguardia Pl. In March 2018, the center hosted performances of Gob Squad's 'War and Peace.' (Staff Photo by Alexandra...

Sustainability has become a marketing tool. Greenwashing tricks customers into spending money on unsustainable products under false pretenses. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Greenwashing: How companies are putting up an eco-friendly front

May 6, 2021

Sustainability has become a marketing tool. Greenwashing tricks customers into spending money on unsustainable products under false pretenses. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra...

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, is invited to the NYU John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress. This has led to a protest as Uribe is linked to right-wing paramilitary groups, and was recently accused of inciting violence against Colombian protesters. 
(Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Protesters decry NYU event with former Colombian president

May 6, 2021

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, is invited to the NYU John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress. This has led to a protest as Uribe is linked to right-wing...