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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

(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...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: NYC’s winter response to homelessness is failing

Amid freezing temperatures, at least 13 New Yorkers froze to death, revealing inadequacies in the city’s emergency protections for the homeless.
Nancy Lama, Contributing Writer February 6, 2026

WSN’s Opinion section strives to publish ideas worth discussing. The views presented in the Opinion section are solely the views of the writer. New York City’s shelter system...

(Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Opinion: This tax can fix New York City’s housing crisis

Amid skyrocketing rents and decades of underbuilding, a long-overlooked land tax reform could be the key to making New York affordable again.
Ethan Du, Contributing Writer December 11, 2025

This past March, a bill was introduced to the New York state Legislature by State Sen. Rachel May, Assemblymember Tony Simone and Assemblymember Alex Bores that would establish...

(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...

(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...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

Opinion: Want to make NYU affordable? Fix NYC housing

By voting “yes” on the ballot this November, NYU students can help bring affordable living back to New York City.
Ethan Du, Contributing Writer September 25, 2025

Compared to other prestigious private universities, NYU’s tuition isn’t necessarily more expensive — but its room and board absolutely is. If you break down the numbers,...

(Danny Arensberg for WSN)

Opinion: LGBTQ+ mental health is under attack

As President Donald Trump targets LGTBQ+ freedoms, it is important for local governments to do more to protect their LGBTQ+ citizens and their mental health.
Sam Kats, Contributing Writer February 27, 2025

Content warning: This article includes mentions of suicide. Shortly after President Donald Trump won the 2024 election, LGBTQ+ crisis lines were flooded with an unprecedented...

What to do if stopped by ICE

What to do if stopped by ICE

With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids imminent, it is important to know your rights if you’re ever confronted.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor February 10, 2025

Immigration and deportation were defining issues in President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign — now they are shaping his first three weeks in office. There has been...

President Donald Trump addresses the press outside of the courtroom during his New York civil fraud case in New York City on Oct. 17, 2023. (Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)

Opinion: New York City under Trump’s second term

As our country undergoes a second Trump administration, New York City faces threats to its economy, climate and progressive values.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor January 23, 2025

Just days into his second term, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that will change the fundamental principles of the United States as we know it. In an alarming string...

The exterior of a public restroom in a park.

Opinion: Let New Yorkers be free to pee

The shortage of public restrooms is a significant hardship and a profound indignity that unhoused New Yorkers endure every day.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer November 18, 2024

In 1990, a group of unhoused New Yorkers came together to file a class-action lawsuit against the city, citing the need for more public restrooms around the city. They argued that...

A woman in costume wears a pink wig with a crown. She has her hand over her chest, and is illuminated by blue light.

Opinion: Ditch your plastic Halloween costumes this year

If you are about to buy a last-minute costume for Halloween, try checking out a more sustainable option.
Anne Lise Tan, Contributing Writer October 31, 2024

Halloween might be a season for chills and thrills, but the real horror story lies in the unregulated sweatshops and factories that churn out those plastic-filled costumes. In...