The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News
The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News
The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News
Avery Bleichfeld

Avery Bleichfeld, Projects Editor

All content by Avery Bleichfeld
First responders gather behind an area taped off by Boston Police following the allegedly staged package explosion Sept. 13, 2022. Jason Duhaime was dropped as a client by his attorneys and has a trial scheduled for later in February.

[Photo] Attorneys drop former Northeastern employee who allegedly staged 2022 campus package explosion

Eli Curwin, editor-in-chief
January 24, 2024

First responders gather behind an area taped off by Boston Police following the allegedly staged package explosion Sept. 13, 2022. Jason Duhaime was dropped as a client by his attorneys and has a trial...

Mayor Michelle Wu speaks to a crowd during a rally. Some students at Northeastern view Wu, an Asian American woman and mother of two, as a figure representing groups oftentimes not represented in politics.

[Photo] Northeastern students think Michelle Wu symbolizes strides towards representation

Ellie Krulwich, news correspondent
April 17, 2023

Mayor Michelle Wu speaks to a crowd during a rally. Some students at Northeastern view Wu, an Asian American woman and mother of two, as a figure representing groups oftentimes not represented in politics....

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive club team member Cody Ye, a second-year business administration and economics combined major, boots up the game at a team practice Nov. 1. Counter-Strike is one of 11 games represented in Northeastern's club esports teams; the university has five varsity teams.

Ask The News: Will Counter-Strike ever be a varsity esport?

Avery Bleichfeld, projects editor
November 28, 2022

This article was produced as part of an initiative we’re calling Ask the News in which Northeastern University community members can submit questions to us and, if it seems like we can put together a...

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Rowers gather for the Head of the Charles Regatta on the Charles River, which splits Cambridge and Boston. The regatta attracts rowers from around the world who compete on the course every October.

[Photo] Northeastern crew teams compete at Head of the Charles Regatta

Noelia Arteaga, news correspondent
November 13, 2022

Rowers gather for the Head of the Charles Regatta on the Charles River, which splits Cambridge and Boston. The regatta attracts rowers from around the world who compete on the course every October.

This illustration is a derivative of "Massachusetts_State_Rep._Geoff_Diehl.jpg" by Geoffrey Diehl, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. This illustration is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

[Photo] What to know about the Massachusetts gubernatorial race

Eli Curwin, news staff
October 13, 2022

This illustration is a derivative of "Massachusetts_State_Rep._Geoff_Diehl.jpg" by Geoffrey Diehl, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. This illustration is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The scene outside Holmes Hall after it was evacuated Sept. 13. Jason Duhaime, the former new technology manager and director of the Immersive Media Lab at Northeastern, was arrested Oct. 4 in connection with the exploding packaged.

[Photo] Exploding package deemed a hoax, former staff member arrested in connection

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
October 4, 2022

The scene outside Holmes Hall after it was evacuated Sept. 13. Jason Duhaime, the former new technology manager and director of the Immersive Media Lab at Northeastern, was arrested Oct. 4 in connection...

Students leaving Holmes Hall Sept. 13 evening found the building surrounded by police officers and bomb squad members following an explosion of a pelican case in Northeastern's virtual reality lab.

[Photo] Students react to Holmes Hall detonation, evaluate campus safety

Rachel Erwin and Erin Fine
September 26, 2022

Students leaving Holmes Hall Sept. 13 evening found the building surrounded by police officers and bomb squad members following an explosion of a pelican case in Northeastern's virtual reality lab.

Students reenter Snell Library after campus declared all clear around 12:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

[Photo] Campus deemed safe, threat declared ‘fraudulent’

Marta Hill
September 22, 2022

Students reenter Snell Library after campus declared all clear around 12:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

Emergency services respond to the area around Holmes Hall Sept. 13.

[Photo] DEVELOPING STORY: Package reportedly detonates, injures one near Holmes Hall

Marta Hill, Kayla Shiao, and Jessica Silverman
September 13, 2022

Emergency services respond to the area around Holmes Hall Sept. 13.

Tricia Fitzgerald helps plant a tree at the Arbor Day event in Fitzgerald Park Friday. The park is named after State Rep. Kevin Fitzgerald, her late husband.

In effort for new Mission Hill arboretum, community celebrates green space, partnership with Northeastern

Avery Bleichfeld, News Staff
May 16, 2022

Volunteers helped push Mission Hill’s Fitzgerald Park over the threshold of 25 plant species April 29, one more step in the park’s path to becoming an arboretum. At an Arbor Day event, organized...

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Members of the TEDxNortheasternU team set up stage in the auditorium of ISEC.

[Photo] ‘Solve for {Y}’: Annual TEDxNortheasternU conference returns to campus

Grace Comer, campus editor
May 6, 2022

Members of the New England Bhangra Club performed for conference attendees before the lunch break.

A cat prowls in a Mission Hill alley in October. Nonprofit Boston’s Forgotten Felines is searching for a new yard to keep shelters for members of its colony after the previous house was sold. Photo by Avery Bleichfeld.

Local nonprofit works to re-shelter feral cats on Mission Hill

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
April 15, 2022

A Boston nonprofit is searching for a new yard to leave shelters for feral cats on Mission Hill after the previous home that hosted them was sold. The call is the latest in a series of actions to care...

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Chow Down Beantown

[Photo]

October 10, 2020

This year's Academy Awards is featuring a new category: Fan Favorite. The award brings into question the prestige of the Academy and the award ceremony itself if the general public's opinion is now considered.

[Photo] #OscarsFanFavorite points to new direction for Academy Awards

Rachel Umansky-Castro, news staff
March 27, 2022

This year's Academy Awards is featuring a new category: Fan Favorite. The award brings into question the prestige of the Academy and the award ceremony itself if the general public's opinion is now considered.

When news of the war broke on campus, students were quick to gather in protest and to raise money to support Ukraine, with students demonstrating in Centennial Commons.

[Photo] War in Ukraine saddens Northeastern Russian, Ukrainian community, students advocate for support

Crescent Huang, news staff
March 11, 2022

When news of the war broke on campus, students were quick to gather in protest and to raise money to support Ukraine, with students demonstrating in Centennial Commons.

Northeastern students reflect on experiences, stigmas of dating apps

Northeastern students reflect on experiences, stigmas of dating apps

Cathy Ching, Haley Alphonse, and Avery Bleichfeld
February 14, 2022
Dating apps are used by people of all backgrounds, but they’re commonly known to be a staple piece of the modern college culture. As first-time and veteran dating app users are coming together in the immersive world of dating, The News spoke with nine students about their experiences and thoughts on what it means to meet romantic partners through a phone screen when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all social scenes for almost three years.
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Hot off the Press

[Photo] Hot Off the Press: Episode 1

Hannah Rosman
February 11, 2022

Wordle has skyrocketed in popularity as a daily word puzzle. The game challenges users to guess a five-letter word in six attempts.

[Photo] Wordle skyrockets as popular word puzzle at Northeastern

Jessica Xing, news staff
February 9, 2022

Wordle has skyrocketed in popularity as a daily word puzzle. The game challenges users to guess a five-letter word in six attempts.

Cars drive past the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

[Photo] Column: Keep your eyes on these Academy Award contenders

Karissa Korman, deputy lifestyle editor
February 1, 2022

Cars drive past the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

‘The game has changed’: A Q&A with Chancellor Henderson

‘The game has changed’: A Q&A with Chancellor Henderson

Avery Bleichfeld and Marta Hill
January 28, 2022

Ken Henderson, Northeastern chancellor and senior vice president for learning, spoke with The News in a 30-minute, virtual conversation Wednesday about the closure of wellness housing, the university’s...

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The COVID-19 pandemic created a drastic need for telehealth platforms such as BetterHelp.

[Photo] BetterHelp redefines teletherapy, raises issues among students

Clara McCourt, managing editor
January 6, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic created a drastic need for telehealth platforms such as BetterHelp.

Michelle Wu, an Asian American woman, speaks to a crowd. Behind her, people hold signs supporting Lydia Edwards' senate campaign.

[Photo] Mayor Michelle Wu makes history in election win

Alyssa Endres, opinion editor
December 12, 2021

Mayor Michelle Wu speaks Nov. 27 in support of City Councilor Lydia Edwards’ senate bid. Edwards previously endorsed Wu in the mayoral race.

Acting Mayor Kim Janey discussed her background and her time as the city's top executive in a question and answer session with Africana studies program director Régine Michelle Jean-Charles Nov. 9.

[Photo] Kim Janey visits Northeastern, discusses her time as mayor before her mayoral farewell address

Jennifer Suryadjaja, news correspondent
November 11, 2021

Acting Mayor Kim Janey discussed her background and her time as the city's top executive in a question and answer session with Africana studies program director Régine Michelle Jean-Charles Nov. 9.

Michelle Wu pictured with microphones

[Photo] Michelle Wu wins historic mayoral race in Boston

Kelly Garrity, city editor
November 3, 2021

Michelle Wu became the first Asian American, the first woman, and the first person of color to be elected mayor in Boston.

"Practical Magic" portrays universal truths about love and relationships.

[Photo] Horror Rewind: ‘Practical Magic’ is a witch chick flick that will never go out of style

Emma Magioncalda, news correspondent
October 26, 2021

"Practical Magic" portrays universal truths about love and relationships.

Voters will determine who will be Boston's next leader on Nov. 2.

Here’s what happened at the first mayoral debate

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
October 24, 2021

Voters in Boston will have the chance to elect who they want to serve as the city’s next mayor Nov. 2. Ahead of the general election, mayoral candidates and City Councilors At-Large Annissa Essaibi George...

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ruthzeelouijeune

[Photo] Built in Boston, City Council candidate Ruthzee Louijeune hopes to build better for the next generation

Isabella Ratto, news correspondent
October 13, 2021

Ruthzee Louijeune is one of the eight at-large candidates vying for a spot on the Boston City Council this fall.

A group of classical musicians perform in front a large sculpture of the numbers 2021

[Photo] A unique ending: Graduating seniors reflect on NU and pandemic experiences

May 8, 2021

Musicians perform on Krentzman Quad to celebrate the graduating class of 2021.

Art by Avery Bleichfeld. Canopy is a new coalition of clubs focused on environmental clubs at Northeastern.

[Photo] Club coalition unites sustainability efforts

Katie Mogg, news staff
February 22, 2021

Art by Avery Bleichfeld. Canopy is a new coalition of clubs focused on environmental clubs at Northeastern.

Cabot, once a facility where varsity, club and intramural sports could occur, has been the home of a massive testing operation this semester.

Northeastern testing data signals increased COVID-19 spread

Avery Bleichfeld, managing editor
November 8, 2020

COVID-19 testing data released by Northeastern University indicated that Thursday, for the fourth day in a row, the university’s seven-day average positivity rate was the highest on record since testing...

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The entrance to the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation marks the last remaining salt water marsh in Boston. Members of the PUEBLO coalition worry that development will bring more visitors than the marsh can handle and that the plans don't account for the natural movement of the marsh.

Suffolk Downs project moves ahead, despite environmental, housing concerns

Avery Bleichfeld, managing editor
November 5, 2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, the Boston Public Development Agency, or BPDA, stopped holding public meetings for all in-progress development projects. This included the Suffolk Downs redevelopment,...

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America’s college town prepares for students’ return in age of COVID-19

Kelly Chan and Avery Bleichfeld
August 27, 2020

Graphic by: Avery Bleichfeld The News analyzed the reopening plans of 31 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area. Scroll over a dot to see that schools plans to bring students back —...

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The major catalyst for the anti-vax movement was an article by the British Medical Journal from the late 1990s that was later proven false and retracted.

Anti-vaxxers protest bills for required immunization

Kelly Chan and Avery Bleichfeld
February 12, 2020

A crowd of anti-vaxxers stood beneath a banner reading “Medical Freedom is the New Civil Rights Movement” on the State House steps this past Monday, clutching signs and megaphones in protest of three...

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Borloz spoke to the Northeastern community Monday.

UN expert speaks on challenges faced by LGBTQ+ community

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
January 17, 2020
United Nations Independent Expert Victor Madrigal-Borloz spoke about modern violence and discrimination toward LGBTQ+ people and the intersectionality of identity at a talk Monday, hosted by the Northeastern University School of Law. 
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Circles indicate the number of international students at the institution in the given year; size is proportional to international population. Data from the Institute of International Education.

[Photo] NU rises to third most international students in the U.S.

Petrina Danardatu, news correspondent
December 4, 2019

Circles indicate the number of international students at the institution in the given year; size is proportional to international population. Data from the Institute of International Education.

Municipalities in the Greater Boston area have implemented recycling programs with various degrees of citizen participation. Data from Massachusetts State 2018 Municipal Solid Waste & Recycling Survey Responses.

[Photo] Boston updates plans to become a zero-waste community

Leah Cussen, news correspondent
November 21, 2019

Municipalities in the Greater Boston area have implemented recycling programs with various degrees of citizen participation. Data from Massachusetts State 2018 Municipal Solid Waste & Recycling Survey...

Boston Public Library, or BPL has eliminated fines for patrons under 18 years of age.

Boston Public Library eliminates fines for young cardholders

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
November 13, 2019

This month, Boston Public Library, or BPL, took a step toward embodying the phrase “Free To All,” which is carved above the entrance to the central branch at Copley Square. On Nov. 1, the library...

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Nahant 2

[Photo] Nahant residents denounce NU construction on ‘wildlife preserve’

Isabel Stephens, deputy campus editor
October 9, 2019

Many activists debate the pros and cons of the different methods of legal approach to prostitution.

[Photo] Activists conflict on prostitution policy

Isabel Stephens, news staff
April 18, 2019

Many activists debate the pros and cons of the different methods of legal approach to prostitution.

[Photo] Uncontested Brown-Nobile slate elected with 61 percent of the vote

Isabel Stephens, news staff
April 12, 2019

Titled "The Embrace," the future Boston Common memorial is designed by Hank Willis Thomas and the MASS Design Group.

Boston is closer to having a major MLK memorial

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
March 27, 2019

The non-profit King Boston announced on March 4 the official design for a memorial dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King to be installed on Boston Common. Artist Hank Willis Thomas...

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"Romeo and Juliet" cast performs at Huntington Theatre Company.

Local theatres collaborate in Stage and Screen series

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
March 20, 2019

Brookline independent movie theatre Coolidge Corner showed “West Side Story” March 4 in collaboration with the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” as part of the theatres’...

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College of Engineering Dean Nadine Aubry will be moving to Tufts University, pictured above.

NU COE dean appointed provost of Tufts

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
March 13, 2019
Nadine Aubry, dean of the College of Engineering since 2012, has been appointed the new provost of Tufts University.
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Northeastern’s housing at 1110 Commonwealth Ave. is located two miles off campus.

Students housed on Commonwealth Ave. troubled by lack of communication and security

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
February 20, 2019
For some students living on Commonwealth Avenue, the problems go beyond just living two miles off campus.
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The Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston will face major renovations, which some have compared to the Big Dig.

NU commuters prepare for 8 years of Mass. Pike construction

Avery Bleichfeld, news correspondent
January 29, 2019
An overhaul of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston announced recently will affect drivers for approximately eight years, and NU commuters are bracing themselves.
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Boston ban on plastic bags to go into effect

Boston ban on plastic bags to go into effect

Avery Bleichfeld, news staff
December 5, 2018
Boston's single-use plastic bag ban, which passed in December 2017, is set to take effect Dec. 14. The new ban follows similar actions taken by dozens of other Massachusetts cities and towns.
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The reflecting pool at the Christian Science Plaza has started flowing again. / Photo by Samantha Barry

Reflecting pool reopens at the Christian Science Plaza

Avery Bleichfeld
November 15, 2018
The Christian Science Plaza had undertaken a variety of projects to enhance its look, sustainability and accessibility to visitors, with the most recent update being the reopened reflecting pool.
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Mayor Walsh proposes plan to combat rising sea levels

Avery Bleichfeld
November 7, 2018
In response to rising sea levels in Boston and around the world, Mayor Martin J. Walsh has proposed a plan to combat this issue by utilizing more efficient and sustainable parks.
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New housing development will provide affordable homes in Cambridge

New housing development will provide affordable homes in Cambridge

Avery Bleichfeld
October 17, 2018
A growing population and need for low-income housing prompt creation of affordable housing development in Cambridge which will guarantee units to households at lower income levels.
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Renovated playground brings differing opinions

Renovated playground brings differing opinions

Avery Bleichfeld
October 4, 2018
The renovation of the Columbus Ave. park came about through a partnership between the university and the city of Boston.
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Locals gather to enjoy Moakley Park and strategize climate readiness

Locals gather to enjoy Moakley Park and strategize climate readiness

Avery Bleichfeld
October 3, 2018
The Parks and Recreation and Environmental Departments hosted an event at Moakley Park to bring the community together and discuss the anticipated effects of climate change.
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Changes to the MBTA's fare collection system will allow riders to board the green line at all doors. / Photo by Catherine Argyrople

MBTA changes will allow riders to board at every door

Avery Bleichfeld
September 26, 2018
In an effort to increase accessibility for riders, the new fare collection system will accept payment by smartphones, contactless credit cards.
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