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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

Rachel Erwin

Rachel Erwin, Editor-in-Chief

Rachel Erwin is fourth-year theatre and journalism double major and editor-in-chief of The News. She previously served as managing editor in both Fall 2022 and Fall 2021, as well as deputy lifestyle editor in Spring 2021. She has completed internships at GBH, Walt Disney World and The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory. Upon graduation this May, she is hoping to pursue a career in costume design or journalism, or both. Follow her on Twitter @erwinrachela for updates.

All content by Rachel Erwin
Northeastern alumnus Alexander Langrock paints the interior of a house in Chestnut Hill. Commissioned by the house’s owners, associate teaching professor Sophia Ainslie helped guide Langrock and a team of students in creating a mural based on X-rays of her mother’s abdomen.

Northeastern professor and her students transform Chestnut Hill house into experiential artwork

Rachel Erwin, editor-in-chief
April 13, 2023

In a secluded neighborhood in Chestnut Hill, an ordinary-looking house sits overlooking a reservoir. Step inside, however, and the house is a work of art.  The owners commissioned Sophia Ainslie, an...

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Jack Riter, one of the actors and the location co-manager, pours vodka into a guest’s glass at the Beauty and the Beast Cocktail Experience March 12. Attendees were allowed to choose the ingredients in their first drink, with multiple liquors, syrups and mixers available.

At ‘Beauty and the Beast Cocktail Experience,’ enjoy a timeless tale with drinks in hand

Rachel Erwin, editor-in-chief
March 20, 2023

“Beauty and the Beast” was a staple fairytale for many growing up. With its classic story of true love, beloved songs and iconic people-turned-houseware characters, it has lived on through multiple...

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DEVELOPING STORY: Northeastern grad student struck and killed by police cruiser in Seattle

Rachel Erwin and Rachel Umansky-Castro
January 30, 2023

Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Northeastern University graduate student, was killed when a city police cruiser struck her as she crossed the street in Seattle, just a few blocks from the university’s...

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President Joseph E. Aoun speaks at Convocation Sept. 6 in Matthews Arena. In an interview with The News, Aoun said what attracts him to the Northeastern community is how engaged and innovative it is.

Q&A: President Aoun discusses global student experience, new Miami campus

Marta Hill and Rachel Erwin
January 3, 2023

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun spoke with The News in a conversation Dec. 14 about the university’s global expansion and experiential learning programs, after the announcement of the new Miami...

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Boston women of color are becoming key players in the small business industry, looking to expand

Boston women of color are becoming key players in the small business industry, looking to expand

Rachel Erwin, editor-in-chief
December 20, 2022

Boston is home to an ever-growing network of small businesses, whose consumership often picks up during the holiday season. Three women of color, Imani McFarlane, Zeena Brown and Angela Hofmann, lead...

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Student organizations, including NEU Speakout, were present at the Oct. 6 rally for reproductive rights and trans rights. The rally on Northeastern's campus was part of the national YDSA's Day of Student Action for Reproductive Justice.

Students rally for abortion access, trans rights on YDSA’s Day of Action

Rachel Erwin, managing editor
October 11, 2022

Northeastern students led a rally for reproductive justice and trans rights last week in the wake of continued conversations about the overturning of Roe v. Wade.  The event, led by Northeastern’s...

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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 react to Holmes Hall detonation, evaluate campus safety

Rachel Erwin and Erin Fine
September 26, 2022

Northeastern students’ lives have mostly returned to normal following an on-campus package detonation, but some are still questioning what exactly happened and why the administration has seemingly moved...

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President Joseph E. Aoun speaks to the incoming students. He encouraged them to explore all Northeastern has to offer and not be afraid to change their course of study.

‘Welcome to Northeastern’: President’s Convocation kicks off fall semester

Marta Hill and Rachel Erwin
September 7, 2022

School is officially back in session for Northeastern University, and incoming students were welcomed to campus by a whole host of administration, students and faculty at the 2022 President’s Convocation...

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Courtesy of City Winery

Jane Lynch comes to Boston for two-night only Christmas show

Rachel Erwin, managing editor
December 2, 2021

Jane Lynch, former “Glee” star and two-time Emmy award winner, is coming to Boston this holiday season in her two-night performance, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.” Joined by “The Office”...

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Students advocate for better mental health support, UHCS responds

Students advocate for better mental health support, UHCS responds

Rachel Erwin, managing editor
October 4, 2021

After about a year and a half of pandemic living, it’s no surprise that mental health issues are on the rise, especially on college campuses. Some students at Northeastern believe the school is not taking...

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Q&A: President Aoun discusses returning to Northeastern, diversity issues

Q&A: President Aoun discusses returning to Northeastern, diversity issues

Matt Yan and Rachel Erwin
August 27, 2021

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun spoke with The News in an hour-long, in-person conversation Wednesday about returning to in-person activities amid rising cases of the Delta variant and progress regarding...

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"Shamrock cookies!" by ronnie44052 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Green during COVID-19: How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely

Rachel Erwin, deputy lifestyle editor
March 15, 2021

For the second year in a row, it looks as though COVID-19 is throwing a wrench in St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Though we cannot celebrate at massive parades and parties, there are still ways to make...

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As an evil force threatens the kingdom of Kumandra, it is up to warrior Raya to leave her Heart Lands home and track down the legendary last dragon to help stop the villainous Druun. © 2020 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Review: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ paves the way for Southeast Asian representation in the Disney canon

Rachel Erwin, deputy lifestyle editor
March 10, 2021

Warning: Mild spoilers for “Raya and the Last Dragon” ahead Producing a movie almost entirely during a pandemic is no easy feat, but leave it to the mouse to make it happen. Disney’s latest release,...

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The corset has become a modern symbol of sexual empowerment.

[Photo] Bound with history, corsets stage a comeback on TikTok

Annetta Stogniew, news correspondent
February 23, 2021

The corset has become a modern symbol of sexual empowerment.

Carpenter and others striking against Good Vibrations asked for the removal of floor models and tester toys and improved communication, among other demands.

Good Vibrations strike brings change for Boston workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Rachel Erwin, news staff
January 19, 2021

Aug. 15 is a day that Aria Carpenter will never forget. With her fellow workers supporting her, she staged a walkout at Brookline’s Good Vibrations, a sex toy retailer focused on sex-positive education...

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"RATATOUILLE" by dennis.pope85 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Review: TikTok introduces the future of theatre with ‘Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical’

Rachel Erwin, deputy lifestyle editor
January 9, 2021

If someone had asked me to watch a TikTok musical a year ago, I would have laughed out loud. I hadn’t even downloaded the app, so the idea of its users creating a Broadway-style production would have...

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Marino's basketball courts, normally populated by intense pickup basketball, now are the home of socially distanced exercise equipment.

Column: How to stay active when it seems impossible

Rachel Erwin, news staff
November 15, 2020

As the pandemic drags on and the weather gets colder, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay active. The dropping temperatures and dwindling hours of daylight make us want to stay in bed all day. It...

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“Sara is like a campus mom. It's always so great to see her, and she always has her door open.” said Esme Alvarez, a fourth-year psychology major and a LaCLA scholar.

Sara Rivera: A 23-year journey of education and mentorship

Rachel Erwin, news staff
November 13, 2020
The assistant director of the Latinx Student Cultural Center, or LSCC, Sara Rivera has impacted the lives of countless students. She has been a staff member at the LSCC since shortly after it opened its doors in 1997.
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, theater is finding a way to shift to a virtual platform.

Review: Virtual play ‘Downtown Crossing’ highlights voices of undocumented immigrants

Rachel Erwin, news staff
November 9, 2020

“Downtown Crossing,” a play presented by Company One Theatre in partnership with the Boston Public Library and Northeastern University, tested the bounds of theater in a digital format.  Streamed...

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Theaters in Boston stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Boston theaters work together to combat racism

Rachel Erwin, news staff
October 13, 2020

The response to George Floyd’s murder has reached far beyond police reform. Every aspect of our nation has been scrutinized, including the theater community. Here in Boston, theaters are actively taking...

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Justice Ginsburg's passing raises the stakes for the upcoming election.

Op-ed: Why we should wait to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Rachel Erwin, news staff
October 7, 2020

I doubt I was the only one who felt doomed upon learning of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death. On Sept. 18, we lost an icon, an inspiration and a champion of equality. Ginsburg dedicated her life to justice,...

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Ralph Sanon (left) and Aaron Higginbottom (right) are co-founders of The Creative Studio Sportswear.

The Creative Studio carves future for Black-owned companies

Rachel Erwin, news staff
October 5, 2020

At The Creative Studio Sportswear, receiving one-of-a-kind apparel is a guarantee.  Aaron Higginbottom and Ralph Sanon, co-founders of the TCS brand, aim to provide schools with quality and affordable...

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, theater is finding a way to shift to a virtual platform.

Boston theater embraces change with new platforms, conversations about race

Rachel Erwin, news staff
September 30, 2020

In the theater community, COVID-19 has become the catalyst for change in an industry that has held fast to tradition since its inception. Despite the current limitations, theater companies here in Boston...

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“We All Fall Down” runs through Feb. 15 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts.

“We All Fall Down” runs through Feb. 15 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts.

Cast members of the Shubert Theatre's production of "RENT" pose for a photo.

Review: ‘RENT’ lives on

Rachel Erwin, news correspondent
November 7, 2019

Breathing new life into a well-known musical is often an impossible task, yet this is exactly what the cast and creative team of the 20th Anniversary Tour of “RENT” accomplished at the Boch Center’s...

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