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
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)

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)

"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...

(Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Slices of Home

Ashley Wu, Caitlin Hsu and Alexandra Chan August 25, 2021

(Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

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...

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...

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...

New York got its first vaccine passport app which is the first government-issued immunity pass in the country. However, the prospect of widespread use of a vaccine passport has prompted both critics and supporters. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: A premature vaccine passport can threaten public health and equity

May 6, 2021

New York got its first vaccine passport app which is the first government-issued immunity pass in the country. However, the prospect of widespread use of a vaccine passport has...

Orchard Grocer, located at 78 Orchard St, is an all-vegan deli and grocer. They offer vegan sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream, and groceries for vegans and non-vegans alike. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Orchard Grocer: A vegan paradise for everyone

Natalie Melendez, Staff Writer May 4, 2021

Orchard Grocer's vanilla caramel milkshake is a cashew-based vanilla soft serve combined with oat milk and topped with coconut whip and coconut caramel. (Staff Photo by Manasa...

Zola is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Janicza Bravo. Janicza Bravo, an NYU alum, gave a Q&A session for NYU students. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Janicza Bravo Q&A event: A glimpse inside the director's mind

May 3, 2021

Zola is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Janicza Bravo. Janicza Bravo, an NYU alum, gave a Q&A session for NYU students. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

For the 2020-2021 school year, NYU reopened its Washington Square campus with a combination of hybrid, in-person, and fully remote classes. This nontraditional experience has given NYU first-year students some unique college memories. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU’s Class of 2024 reflects on their first year

May 3, 2021

For the 2020-2021 school year, NYU reopened its Washington Square campus with a combination of hybrid, in-person, and fully remote classes. This nontraditional experience has given...

Nomadland is a drama film written, edited, produced, and directed by Chloé Zhao. This best picture winner film follows a woman who leaves her hometown, after her husband dies and she loses her job, to be "houseless" and travel around the United States. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: ‘Nomadland’s’ contemporary vision of the American dream

April 26, 2021

Nomadland is a drama film written, edited, produced, and directed by Chloé Zhao. This best picture winner film follows a woman who leaves her hometown, after her husband dies...

NYU Senior Leadership has announced mandatory vaccinations for all students returning in-person for the Fall 2021 semester. This is expected to most negatively impact international students, who may come from countries with low vaccine availability. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: Mandatory vaccine policy for Fall 2021 overlooks international students

April 26, 2021

NYU Senior Leadership has announced mandatory vaccinations for all students returning in-person for the Fall 2021 semester. This is expected to most negatively impact international...

Thiru Kumar, also known as the Dosa Man, has a popular food cart in Washington Square Park, where he serves fresh dosas and other vegan South Asian foods. One of his signature dishes is the "Special Pondicherry," which features a dosa filled with spiced potatoes and a mixture of fresh vegetables. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Who’s the Dosa Man? Behind the scenes of the first vegan dosa cart

Gabby Lozano, Dining Editor April 26, 2021

Regular park goers and tourists stand in line waiting to try NY Dosas. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Chef Julian Medina recently rebranded his 10th restaurant Kuxé on Thompson Street to bring his cooking back to its roots. Kuxé serves traditional dishes connected to home cooking in Mexico. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Chef Julian Medina Serves Mexican Food Right —The Traditional Way

Antonio Pelaez, Contributing Writer April 23, 2021

Kuxé's outdoor dining structure is painted with friendly designs and features its home cooking appeal. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Although the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine exceeds its availability at NYU, there is still a noticeable hesitancy among Americans. Due to a long history of medical misconduct at the hands of the federal government towards Black Americans, the percentage of the demographic that would immediately take the vaccine is lower. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Opinion: The CDC must grapple with its racist history

April 21, 2021

Although the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine exceeds its availability at NYU, there is still a noticeable hesitancy among Americans. Due to a long history of medical misconduct...

Imad Khachan presents a chess piece to the camera. Khachan owns Chess Forum in Greenwich Village on Thompson. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Chess Forum is home to Greenwich Village’s chess-playing community

April 16, 2021

Imad Khachan presents a chess piece to the camera. Khachan owns Chess Forum in Greenwich Village on Thompson. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Imad Khachan presents a chess piece to the camera. Khachan owns Chess Forum in Greenwich Village on Thompson. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Chess Forum is home to Greenwich Village’s chess-playing community

Ana Cubas, Music Editor April 16, 2021

The storefront of Chess Forum in Greenwich Village is located on Thompson between Bleecker and West Third. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

My Bloody Valentine is an Irish-English alternative rock band formed in Dublin in 1983. The band signed with Domino who made the band’s third album, “m b v,” available online on streaming services. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: My Bloody Valentine rereleases music for streaming with two new albums on the way

April 13, 2021

My Bloody Valentine is an Irish-English alternative rock band formed in Dublin in 1983. The band signed with Domino who made the band’s third album, “m b v,” available online...

Kent's Dumpling House, located on 220 E 14th St, serves Chinese comfort food. This location underwent renovations in 2019 and re-opened under its new name with new management. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: If you’re looking for comfort, come to Kent’s

April 13, 2021

Kent's Dumpling House, located on 220 E 14th St, serves Chinese comfort food. This location underwent renovations in 2019 and re-opened under its new name with new management....

Walgreens is among one of the vaccine providers accessible through appointment booking. Some students ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine have been taking advantage of its conflicting guidelines to get vaccinated, putting their friendships with other students on the line. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Cutting ties with line cutters: A student’s friendships are tested after ineligible friends get vaccinated

Rachel Cohen, Staff Writer April 8, 2021

Walgreens is among one of the vaccine providers accessible through appointment booking. Some students ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine have been taking advantage of its conflicting...

Tamam Falafel, located near Union Square, is a fast-casual Middle Eastern vegan eatery. They offer plant-based options such as hummus bowls and falafel sandwiches. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Tamam Falafel offers new options for vegan students

April 7, 2021

Tamam Falafel, located near Union Square, is a fast-casual Middle Eastern vegan eatery. They offer plant-based options such as hummus bowls and falafel sandwiches. (Staff Photo...

Pharmacies including this Duane Reade are participating in the city-wide vaccine rollout. NYU will also begin scheduling vaccine appointments for students. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU to begin vaccinating students today

April 6, 2021

Pharmacies including this Duane Reade are participating in the city-wide vaccine rollout. NYU will also begin scheduling vaccine appointments for students. (Staff Photo by Manasa...

Astor Place Hairstylists is located at 2 Astor Pl. The shop has been bustling with barbers and customers of all ages for decades. (Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Photo: Astor Place Hairstylists: The former barber of Childish Gambino, Adam Sandler and more

Sabiq Shahidullah, Staff Writer April 1, 2021

Astor Place Hairstylists is located at 2 Astor Pl. The shop has been bustling with barbers and customers of all ages for decades. (Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

The Evolution Store, founded in 1993, is a museum-style shop located on 687 Broadway. This family-owned business carries science & natural history-related items. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: The weird and wonderful world of The Evolution Store

March 30, 2021

The Evolution Store, founded in 1993, is a museum-style shop located on 687 Broadway. This family-owned business carries science & natural history-related items. (Staff Photo by...

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons", released on March 20, 2020, is a life simulation game played in real-time on the Nintendo Switch. “New Horizons” provided its users a virtual safe haven during the first months of the pandemic. (Staff Photos by Nathan Chizen, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: The bittersweet joy of returning to ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’

March 23, 2021

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons", released on March 20, 2020, is a life simulation game played in real-time on the Nintendo Switch. “New Horizons” provided its users a virtual...

Bloomberg Philanthropies donates $25 million to endow the Georgina and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Service Fellows Program at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. This fellowship is expected to cover tuition for up to 20 students per year beginning in the Fall 2021 semester. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli, Image Courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Bloomberg Philanthropies donates $25 million for graduate fellowship at Wagner

March 23, 2021

Bloomberg Philanthropies donates $25 million to endow the Georgina and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Service Fellows Program at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School...

Hate crimes against Asain Americans are increasing nationwide in cities across the United States as the pandemic reaches its one-year anniversary. Activists, academics and students at NYU are speaking up against the violence. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: University community responds to surge in anti-Asian racism

March 17, 2021

Hate crimes against Asain Americans are increasing nationwide in cities across the United States as the pandemic reaches its one-year anniversary. Activists, academics and students...

The Criterion Collection is accessible through the streaming service Kanopy, provided through NYU. The Criterion Collection, along with other services accessible through NYU’s Cinema Studies databases, has provided a community composed of both film lovers and scholars. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: How binging the Criterion Collection provided me with purpose during the pandemic

March 17, 2021

The Criterion Collection is accessible through the streaming service Kanopy, provided through NYU. The Criterion Collection, along with other services accessible through NYU’s...

NYU administration announced the cancellation of the 2021 spring break to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Many students are expressing their concerns about the lack of a substantial break given during the spring semester. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli and Alexandra Chan)

Photo: As spring approaches, break doesn’t

March 16, 2021

NYU administration announced the cancellation of the 2021 spring break to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Many students are expressing their concerns about the lack of a substantial...

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many NYU actors are completing their semester at home. NYU actors outside of the U.S. have found ways to adapt and stay positive, despite the lack of on-screen and on-stage productions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU actors living abroad: the show must go on

March 15, 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many NYU actors are completing their semester at home. NYU actors outside of the U.S. have found ways to adapt and stay positive, despite the lack...

NYU students and faculty attending in-person laboratories are required to wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and KN95 masks. While many classes and activities are held remotely this semester, NYU students and faculty appreciate the possibility of in-person experiences with appropriate safety precautions. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: How in-person experiences continue despite the pandemic

March 15, 2021

NYU students and faculty attending in-person laboratories are required to wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and KN95 masks. While many classes and activities...

NYU’s Office of Global Programs, located at 383 Lafayette St., opened its Fall 2021 Study Away Application. However, the uncertainty of the future of the pandemic has left aspects of NYU's study away programs tentative. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU says post-pandemic study away is a tentative go

March 10, 2021

NYU’s Office of Global Programs, located at 383 Lafayette St., opened its Fall 2021 Study Away Application. However, the uncertainty of the future of the pandemic has left aspects...

American restaurateur David Chang is the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. While David Chang's Netflix special "Ugly Delicious" addresses the social and cultural nuances of many cuisines, Chang and other elite male chefs fail to acknowledge the dark realities of the kitchen space and its ties to women. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Reflecting on the Duality of the Kitchen Space

March 9, 2021

American restaurateur David Chang is the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. While David Chang's Netflix special "Ugly Delicious" addresses the social and cultural nuances...

Punjabi Deli is nestled beneath a flower-lined sidewalk, with a brightly colored ATM marking its entrance on Sept. 18, 2020. (Staff photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Local and Black-Owned Businesses

Under the Arch Staff September 28, 2020

Punjabi Deli is nestled beneath a flower-lined sidewalk, with a brightly colored ATM marking its entrance on Sept. 18, 2020. (Staff photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

A protester holds a sign reading "Breonna Taylor Deserved Better." Protests continue for the second consecutive day, with around 200 people gathering in Union Square Park. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Protesters Demand Justice for Breonna Taylor for Second Consecutive Day After Ruling

September 25, 2020

A protester holds a sign reading "Breonna Taylor Deserved Better." Protests continue for the second consecutive day, with around 200 people gathering in Union Square Park. (Staff...

Blossom is a vegan restaurant previously located in Chelsea, NYC. Blossom recently relocated to 72 University Pl. in Greenwich Village. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavlli)

Photo: Blossom: For Vegans & Foodies Alike

September 23, 2020

Blossom is a vegan restaurant previously located in Chelsea, NYC. Blossom recently relocated to 72 University Pl. in Greenwich Village. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavlli)

A protester hangs a sign on their back reading "Sleeping While Black" in reference to Breonna Taylor's murder at the hands of Louisville cops. Taylor was sleeping when officers broke into her house and killed her. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Protests Demanding Justice For Breonna Taylor Sweep New York City

Matthew Fischetti and Rachel Cohen September 24, 2020

A protester hangs a sign on their back reading "Sleeping While Black" in reference to Breonna Taylor's murder at the hands of Louisville cops. Taylor was sleeping when officers...

New students are experiencing NYU a bit differently from what many imagined. Nonetheless, these could be the alternatives to the party culture that threaten to worsen COVID numbers on our campus. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: The COVID-19 College Party Scene: Who’s To Blame?

September 22, 2020

New students are experiencing NYU a bit differently from what many imagined. Nonetheless, these could be the alternatives to the party culture that threaten to worsen COVID numbers...

Gloves and masks are indispensable items for going out during the pandemic. Nonetheless, they are only a few of the changes made to dating in this weird time we are all experiencing. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: The New Normal of Dating in the Pandemic

September 17, 2020

Gloves and masks are indispensable items for going out during the pandemic. Nonetheless, they are only a few of the changes made to dating in this weird time we are all experiencing....

NYU students sit distantly around Washington Square Park to complete classwork and to talk to friends. While physically distanced, students have found ways to socialize online. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: First-Years Face a New Social Scene

September 13, 2020

NYU students sit distantly around Washington Square Park to complete classwork and to talk to friends. While physically distanced, students have found ways to socialize online....

The Brooklyn Bridge shines brightly in the night. Since leaving the city when remote learning began, many students are thinking of their experiences in the city, such as witnessing views such as these. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Building a Home Away From Home

May 3, 2020

The Brooklyn Bridge shines brightly in the night. Since leaving the city when remote learning began, many students are thinking of their experiences in the city, such as witnessing...

New York City today is no longer the same busy metropolis as it was a month ago due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Students still in NYC discuss their experiences and the changes they’ve noticed since NYU has closed. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: NYU Students Reflect on Staying in the City

March 30, 2020

New York City today is no longer the same busy metropolis as it was a month ago due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Students still in NYC discuss their experiences and the changes they’ve...

Wasting precious grocery in a time like now is no wise option, with COVID-19 causing grocery store shortages and job layoffs. Nonetheless, the recipes below may offer you a solution to the perishables at the back of your fridge. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Recipes to Reduce Food Waste

March 24, 2020

Wasting precious grocery in a time like now is no wise option, with COVID-19 causing grocery store shortages and job layoffs. Nonetheless, the recipes below may offer you a solution...

Attorney and activist Mia Yamamoto speaks to an audience at Furman Hall. Yamamoto is a Japanese-American transgender woman, and she led a conversation about the 2017 U.S. ban on transgender military service members. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Attorney Speaks on President Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

February 12, 2020

Attorney and activist Mia Yamamoto speaks to an audience at Furman Hall. Yamamoto is a Japanese-American transgender woman, and she led a conversation about the 2017 U.S. ban on...

The Museum of Ice Cream is a popular location displayed on social media. It is one of many Instagram-worthy museums in NYC that WSN’s Culture desk thinks will help improve your feed. (Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Museums Worth the Money For A Stellar Instagram Post

February 11, 2020

The Museum of Ice Cream is a popular location displayed on social media. It is one of many Instagram-worthy museums in NYC that WSN’s Culture desk thinks will help improve your...

Located on West 4th Street, the Leonard N. Stern School of Business is the business school of New York University. Stern recently received a STEM designation to help out international MBA students.(Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Photo: Stern MBA Program is Designated STEM

Emily Mason, News Editor February 10, 2020

Located on West 4th Street, the Leonard N. Stern School of Business is the business school of New York University. Stern recently received a STEM designation to help out international...