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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

A sign outside a restaurant near campus tells patrons that they must be vaccinated to be served. However, many NYU students have reported that local businesses are not complying with Mayor DeBlasio’s mandate. (Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

NYC vaccine mandate goes unenforced at local businesses

The city’s Key to NYC vaccine mandate came into effect Sept. 13, but NYU students and local businesses have expressed concerns about its implementation.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Staff Writer October 1, 2021

Despite Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Key to NYC vaccine mandate for indoor activities having gone into full effect on Sept. 13, students have noticed that some local businesses are...

A woman holds a sign demanding the closure of the Rikers Island jail. Activists are criticizing the rising death toll and inhumane living conditions, and New York City has pledged to close Rikers Island in 2027. (Photo by Sam Clegg)

Opinion: Close Rikers now

Amid an alarming rise in suicides, neglect and unlivable conditions, it is incumbent upon Mayor Bill de Blasio to shut down Rikers Island jail complex and stop wasting taxpayer money on pointless reforms.
Asha Ramachandran, Opinion Editor September 30, 2021

After touring Rikers Island on Monday, Sept. 27, Mayor Bill de Blasio noted the city’s progress in improving the jail. However, he failed to mention the deadly overcrowding,...

Local businesses near Washington Square Park experienced a difficult time during the COVID-19 lockdown and only recovered when the campus reopened. They form the backbone of the neighborhood, and NYU students and faculty function as a major source of income. (Photos by Camille Harvell)

Return to campus eases 18 months of financial distress for local businesses

Bagel Bob’s, Irving Farm and many other businesses near campus are household names around NYU. During the height of the pandemic, however, they almost disappeared for good.
Api Dhadda, Contributing Writer September 29, 2021

Peter Karounos’ family has owned and operated University Floral Design on University Place since 1928. But in the months following March 2020, the pandemic wrought nearly irreparable...

The 5th Dimension performs at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. In his directorial debut, Questlove’s Summer of Soul creates a time capsule of the essential music of Black America. (Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures)

Review: The spirit of ‘Summer of Soul’: An archive for the modern day

Questlove’s directorial debut both captures the magic of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and celebrates the essential music of Black America.
Ava Emilione, Contributing Writer September 24, 2021

My memories of living in Harlem endure within me: the mixtapes sold along 125th Street, the bright lights of the Apollo Theater and the pride of living in a mecca of Black culture....

On Sept. 1, Hurricane Ida brought unprecedented amounts of rain to New York City and caused alarming floods. The damage has prompted more scrutiny on the city's future environmental agenda. (Staff Photo by Shaina Ahmed)

Opinion: Hurricane Ida highlights need for a more comprehensive climate strategy

The historic devastation Hurricane Ida wrought upon New York underscores the urgency of investing in climate infrastructure. Eric Adams’ climate plans, which remain vague, must prioritize climate resiliency and corporate accountability.
Michelle Han, Deputy Opinion Editor September 13, 2021

Hurricane Ida dumped record levels of rain across New York City on Sept. 1, shutting down packed streets and highways and flooding subway stations. Damage and tragedy overwhelmed...

Recently, bills that restrict teaching critical race theory have been introduced in 27 states. In a city as diverse as New York, education about racism is extremely important. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: Opponents of critical race theory fail to understand its design

The rage against critical race theory comes from a place of ignorance. Education about racism is essential for students of all ages.
Alexis Tretschok, Staff Writer September 10, 2021

Over the summer, Republican legislators commenced a new phase in the ongoing debate regarding how to teach history classes about our nation's controversial policymakers. In June,...

On September 1, a flash flood emergency was declared for New York City from the heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Many NYU students reported flooding in Lower Manhattan residence halls. (Staff Photo by Shaina Ahmed)

Semester begins despite a torrential downpour, collapsed transportation system and flooded dorms

Sept. 1 was the fifth-rainiest day in New York City’s recorded history. The remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the city, causing flash floods and leaving at least 43 dead. Students reported flooding at numerous residence halls, while others were stranded at NYU Welcome events.
Arnav Binaykia and Rachel Fadem September 2, 2021

New York City was pummeled by the remnants of Hurricane Ida on Wednesday evening, Sept. 1. The city declared its first-ever flash flood emergency, with Mayor Bill de Blasio urging...

The 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 is approaching this year. NYU has not done much to protect its Muslim, Arab, and South Asian students from racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, many of whom are international students who may now know how to protect themselves. (Staff Photo by Trace Miller)

Opinion: NYU needs to protect Arab and Muslim students on the anniversary of 9/11

As the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 approaches, vulnerable populations are bracing themselves once more for the anniversary of one of the most infamous terrorist attacks. What will NYU do to protect students who are worried about what this anniversary means for their safety?
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor September 2, 2021

The world changed on Sept. 11, 2001. Following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, former President George Bush announced a War on Terror, created the Department of...

NYU continues construction on 181 Mercer Street in SoHo gentrifying the area. Mayor DeBlasio’s plan for affordable housing in the area does not serve the public interest of the surrounding area. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: De Blasio’s rezoning plan is gentrification in the making

Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to increase access to affordable housing for SoHo, NoHo and Chinatown residents with a controversial upzoning plan. The plan, however, will likely instead increase gentrification in NYU’s backyard and reduce net affordable housing. The City Planning Commision should reject it outright.
Asha Ramachandran, Opinion Editor September 1, 2021

Last year, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office introduced a rezoning plan targeting much of SoHo, NoHo and parts of Chinatown. The city has emphasized the plan’s potential to create...

Many halal carts cluster around Union Square. Halal carts offer a heaping to-go container of seasoned rice piled with the meat or vegetables of your choice for five or six dollars, making it an ideal cheap-eats meal. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Do you really live in New York if you haven’t eaten at a halal cart?

My first year on campus revolved around late-night outings to Union Square halal carts. Now it’s time for all new students to follow their hearts through their stomachs.
Sabrina Choudhary, Identity & Equity Editor August 31, 2021

New York City is famous for its late night dining scene, from pizza at Joe’s to falafel sandwiches at Mamoun’s. Shared experiences at the various restaurants and food carts...

181 Mercer under construction in Lower Manhattan. Manhattan's Community Board rejected a proposed rezoning plan that critics argued allow for further expansion of NYU. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Manhattan Community Board rejects controversial rezoning plan that critics say encourages further NYU expansion

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration says it is aiming to create affordable housing by rezoning parts of SoHo, NoHo and Chinatown. Critics say the proposed plan would do the opposite: encourage high-end retail and NYU expansion.
Aneesh Kumar, Staff Writer August 16, 2021

In a 37-1 vote, Manhattan’s Community Board 2 passed an 11-page resolution rejecting the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan presented by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of City...

Democratic candidate Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa take the lead as front runners of their respective races, following voter turnout from Primary Day. However, official results are expected to be revealed in mid-July following rounds of ranked-choice voting. (Images via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

New Yorkers and NYU students alike show low turnout for the mayoral primaries

Democratic candidate Eric Adams has an early lead in the polls, but official results are expected to be revealed in mid-July following rounds of ranked-choice voting.
Rachel Cohen, Deputy News Editor June 30, 2021

Nearly 1.1 million New Yorkers voted early in the 2020 presidential election, often having to wait for hours in line. But when Gallatin sophomore Jacob Keller arrived at the polls...