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
Aya Al-Zehhawi

Aya Al-Zehhawi, Photo Staff

Aya Al-Zehhawi is a first-year English and communications studies combined major. She is member of the photo staff and a copy editor for The News. She enjoys reporting on community celebrations and organizations, as well as taking photographs for her stories. You can follow her on Instagram at @ayaalze.

All content by Aya Al-Zehhawi
Event attendees look at books from the BPL's Special Collections. The March 25 open house featured women who played a significant role in building the archives.

[Photo] Boston Public Library honors women, pioneers who shaped its archives

Leona Gagalac, news correspondent
March 29, 2025

An attendee flips through a book in the Special Collections. Books, photographs, artwork and more were featured at the open house.

Column: The greener, the better: Rating matcha lattes around Boston

Column: The greener, the better: Rating matcha lattes around Boston

Aya Al-Zehhawi, news correspondent
March 23, 2025

While coffee has long been the quintessential choice for caffeine-hungry college students, matcha has become a popular staple at cafes and coffee shops in college cities, including Boston. The green tea...

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Performers from Beat the Odds dance at the Mayor’s Youth Summit Feb. 22. Read more here.

Performers from Beat the Odds dance at the Mayor’s Youth Summit Feb. 22. Read more here.

Community members sit and listen to the Mayor's Youth Summit welcome speech. The summit advertised itself via social media, flyers and bus stop posters.

[Photo] Mayor’s Youth Summit celebrates the leaders of tomorrow

Grace Cargill, news staff
February 26, 2025

Cousin Stizz jumps as he raps to at the summit. The event featured an array of artists from SeeFour to a New Orleans brass band.

Oullette sits for a photo with her labradoodle, Ella Mae, dressed in pink. Boston Dog Moms prepared different backdrops for pet owners to capture the event with, including a balloon wall and a pink Valentine’s Day background.

Boston Dog Moms hosts first ever Barkuterie Brunch at Liberty Hotel Ballroom

Aya Al-Zehhawi, photo staff
February 4, 2025

As fresh snow welcomed Bostonians into the first day of February, dog moms and dads alike joined together to celebrate the month of love at the Boston Dog Moms Valentine’s Day Barkuterie Brunch in one...

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A dog-friendly charcuterie board spread. Garbarino’s inner dog mom circle helped her with all of the event preparations, including the food.

A dog-friendly charcuterie board spread. Garbarino’s inner dog mom circle helped her with all of the event preparations, including the food.

A dog lays down behind his owner with scraps of carrot before him. The pet-friendly charcuterie boards had fruit, cheese, meat, jam and crackers available for dog parents and their pooches to enjoy.

A dog lays down behind his owner with scraps of carrot before him. The pet-friendly charcuterie boards had fruit, cheese, meat, jam and crackers available for dog parents and their pooches to enjoy.

Dog owners and their pets gather at The Liberty Hotel Ballroom in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The Boston Dog Moms team, event volunteers and local vendors worked patiently with The Liberty Hotel to prepare the event for local pet owners to enjoy.

Dog owners and their pets gather at The Liberty Hotel Ballroom in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The Boston Dog Moms team, event volunteers and local vendors worked patiently with The Liberty Hotel...

Several dog parents sit in a circle with their dogs, talking and laughing with one another. The event was a great way to get to know and connect with Boston’s large dog community.

Several dog parents sit in a circle with their dogs, talking and laughing with one another. The event was a great way to get to know and connect with Boston’s large dog community.

Peet assists Young with dressing his dog, Molly, for her photography session. Many dog owners made use of PAWsitive Pantry’s free pet clothing racks to outfit their fluffy companions.

Peet assists Young with dressing his dog, Molly, for her photography session. Many dog owners made use of PAWsitive Pantry’s free pet clothing racks to outfit their fluffy companions.

Lauren Peet smiles in front of her pet photography studio set-up. As part of the festivities, Boston Dog Moms partnered with Peet of LP Photography for the first time Feb. 1, offering professional dog portraits to commemorate the occasion.

Lauren Peet smiles in front of her pet photography studio set-up. As part of the festivities, Boston Dog Moms partnered with Peet of LP Photography for the first time Feb. 1, offering professional dog...

Emeline Walker, a middle school educator, feeds her 5-year-old German Shepherd and Chihuahua mix, Greta. Walker rescued Greta from Cape Ann Animal Aid shelter in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a nonprofit shelter she also volunteers at.

Emeline Walker, a middle school educator, feeds her 5-year-old German Shepherd and Chihuahua mix, Greta. Walker rescued Greta from Cape Ann Animal Aid shelter in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a nonprofit...

Dog owners check in at the event entrance. All Barkuterie Brunch ticket holders received dog-themed tote bags and bandanas for their pups.

Dog owners check in at the event entrance. All Barkuterie Brunch ticket holders received dog-themed tote bags and bandanas for their pups.

Maggie Gander, A PAWsitive Pantry employee, smiles behind bags of event donations with a dog toy and food can in hand. Participants contributed essential supplies including dog food, toys and pet cleaning wipes.

Maggie Gander, A PAWsitive Pantry employee, smiles behind bags of event donations with a dog toy and food can in hand. Participants contributed essential supplies including dog food, toys and pet cleaning...

Two dancers showcase their elegant moves during Boston City Hall’s second annual Lunar New Year celebration Jan. 27. Read more here.

[Photo] Photos of the month: January 2025

Photo Staff
January 31, 2025

Two dancers showcase their elegant moves during Boston City Hall’s second annual Lunar New Year celebration Jan. 27. Read more here.

A performer in bright red and gold takes the stage. The act was part of a father-son dance duo.

Boston community crowds City Hall in celebration of Lunar New Year

Aya Al-Zehhawi, photo staff
January 29, 2025

Hundreds of Bostonians, performers and elected officials gathered early afternoon Jan. 26 to commemorate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a cultural celebration at Boston City Hall. In accordance with the...

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A troupe of young girls in white costumes rehearse their dance routine. Among the group were Liu’s two daughters.

A troupe of young girls in white costumes rehearse their dance routine. Among the group were Liu’s two daughters.

DiZoglio stands before the audience. Boston City Council members cheered her on as she joined children from the crowd in singing Chinese songs to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

DiZoglio stands before the audience. Boston City Council members cheered her on as she joined children from the crowd in singing Chinese songs to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Two young girls perform a traditional Chinese umbrella dance. Their elegant performance delighted the crowd and received an outpouring of praise.

Two young girls perform a traditional Chinese umbrella dance. Their elegant performance delighted the crowd and received an outpouring of praise.

An event host raises the microphone to the crowd. Audience members were asked questions pertaining to the holiday in exchange for small gifts.

An event host raises the microphone to the crowd. Audience members were asked questions pertaining to the holiday in exchange for small gifts.

Two women smile as they watch the gala’s performances through City Hall’s glass panels. Although the festival’s location has not changed since last year, a large turnout drove the building to maximum capacity.

Two women smile as they watch the gala’s performances through City Hall’s glass panels. Although the festival’s location has not changed since last year, a large turnout drove the building to maximum...

Joy Wang, a 17-year-old high school student, practices her choreography. Wang started dancing over seven years ago.

Joy Wang, a 17-year-old high school student, practices her choreography. Wang started dancing over seven years ago.

Young dancers strike a final pose to conclude their performance. The kids set off the event on an exciting note, garnering loud applause from the spectators.

Young dancers strike a final pose to conclude their performance. The kids set off the event on an exciting note, garnering loud applause from the spectators.

Visitors enter the Lunar New Year Festival Gala. Crowds of people waited for a chance to see Chinese culture celebrated on a community level.

Visitors enter the Lunar New Year Festival Gala. Crowds of people waited for a chance to see Chinese culture celebrated on a community level.

A labradoodle smiles in his snow-covered sweater. Although waterproof coats are the norm, some dog owners preferred to dress their dogs in warm sweaters and cozy knitwear.

Braving the frost: How Boston dog owners are prioritizing pet safety this winter

Aya Al-Zehhawi, photo correspondent
January 24, 2025

As Boston’s low January temperatures are exacerbated by powerful winds and weekly snowfall, the city’s community has greatly considered how to best dress their dogs. With the added dangers of icy streets...

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A young goldendoodle dressed in blue stands at his owner’s side, looking up diligently. The dog and owner enjoyed Boston Common’s wintry terrain, roaming around the snow, finding new scents and socializing with friends together.

A young goldendoodle dressed in blue stands at his owner’s side, looking up diligently. The dog and owner enjoyed Boston Common’s wintry terrain, roaming around the snow, finding new scents and socializing...

Roxie, a 6-year-old poodle, shows off her argyle knit sweater. As a breed who needs regular grooming, she benefited from the extra layers in the cold.

Roxie, a 6-year-old poodle, shows off her argyle knit sweater. As a breed who needs regular grooming, she benefited from the extra layers in the cold.

A Majorca Ratter sits patiently in his furry green winter coat. His short fur does little in the Massachusetts cold, so he wore extra layers to stay comfortable.

A Majorca Ratter sits patiently in his furry green winter coat. His short fur does little in the Massachusetts cold, so he wore extra layers to stay comfortable.

A man takes a brisk walk in the park with four dogs. One paraded around in boots and a coat while the others bared the cold under the protection of warm fur.

A man takes a brisk walk in the park with four dogs. One paraded around in boots and a coat while the others bared the cold under the protection of warm fur.

Schmidty, a 6-year-old goldendoodle, sits for a portrait in the midst of a walk. Outfitted in thoughtful winter gear, he showed off his owner’s dedication to keeping him comfortable during their chilly city strolls.

Schmidty, a 6-year-old goldendoodle, sits for a portrait in the midst of a walk. Outfitted in thoughtful winter gear, he showed off his owner’s dedication to keeping him comfortable during their chilly...

Otis, a Bernese Mountain dog and miniature poodle mix, stands for a portrait in Boston Common. He flaunted his thick coat in the midst of Boston’s chills.

Otis, a Bernese Mountain dog and miniature poodle mix, stands for a portrait in Boston Common. He flaunted his thick coat in the midst of Boston’s chills.

Kyva sits in the Back Bay Fens during a snow day dressed in a purple coat. The blue-eyed corgi enjoyed the few inches of snow by running around the park and befriending dogs left and right.

Kyva sits in the Back Bay Fens during a snow day dressed in a purple coat. The blue-eyed corgi enjoyed the few inches of snow by running around the park and befriending dogs left and right.