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The GW Hatchet
AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet
Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief

Zach, a senior majoring in political communication, is the 2023-24 editor in chief of The Hatchet. He previously served as senior news editor and assistant news editor of the Metro beat. He hails from West Columbia, South Carolina.

All content by Zach Blackburn
Zach Blackburn: Growth

Zach Blackburn: Growth

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
May 16, 2024
Photos by Kaiden Yu, Sage Russell and Tanner Nalley

The war in Gaza defines campus politics. It’s absent from SGA elections

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
April 8, 2024
Professor Elisabeth Anker sits with a "Dune: Part Two" popcorn bucket and other movie snacks.

Best for fun class: Politics and Film

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
April 8, 2024
Urban Roast’s "glazed halloumi cheese"

Best cheese: Urban Roast’s ‘Glazed Halloumi Cheese’

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
April 8, 2024
The Hatchet elects Chinowsky as 2024-25 editor in chief

The Hatchet elects Chinowsky as 2024-25 editor in chief

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
February 25, 2024
Redshirt freshman forward Garrett Johnson attacks the defense.

Redshirt forward secures fourth A-10 Rookie of the Week nod

By Jaden DiMauro and Zach Blackburn
January 16, 2024
The Hatchet's 21st Street townhouse.

Thank you for reading The Hatchet in 2023

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
December 28, 2023
The Hatchet's 21st Street townhouse.

Welcome to The Hatchet’s new website

By Zach Blackburn, Editor in Chief
August 31, 2023
The Hatchet's 21st Street townhouse.

The Hatchet mourns the loss of Sports Editor Luke Wienecke

By Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
May 15, 2023

Retracting an incorrect story that did not meet Hatchet standards

By Zach Blackburn
April 27, 2023
Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission Chair Joel Causey spoke at GW for a panel the Student Association hosted last month in the University Student Center.

ANC chair’s sex offender registration in Florida spurs calls for transparency

By Grace Chinowsky, Nick Pasion and Zach Blackburn
April 5, 2023
The JEC charged Zidouemba with an impersonations violation under the SA's election bylaws.

JEC investigator recommends Zidouemba’s disqualification from SA presidential race

By Zach Blackburn and Erika Filter
March 27, 2023
The senate unanimously passed the Constitutional Amendments Act of 2023, which adds a referendum to the ballot for the April 5 and 6 elections asking students to approve amendments clarifying language in the SA constitution.

SA President Zidouemba files for reelection, preliminary ballot shows

By Zach Blackburn and Erika Filter
March 24, 2023
The movie is a hilarious and exciting romp – the last 20 minutes feel similar to the thrill of a close Game 7.

Review: ‘Air’ and the making of a modern myth

By Zach Blackburn
March 23, 2023
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Vito Maggiolo said first responders were dispatched at about 11:05 a.m.

Collision at 20th and E hospitalizes two with minor injuries

By Zach Blackburn
March 22, 2023
GW led the A-10 in 3-pointers made, shooting at a .332 percent clip after finishing third to last in the conference in made 3-pointers last year.

Women’s basketball wraps up best season since 2018 with run to A-10 quarterfinals

By Zach Blackburn and Ben Spitalny
March 6, 2023
Senior guard Nya Lok led the Colonials with 21 points, making seven of her 17 attempts and capturing six rebounds.

Women’s basketball’s season comes to close after A-10 tourney loss to Rhode Island

By Zach Blackburn and Ben Spitalny
March 3, 2023
Senior guard Nya Lok lit up the scoreboard in the second half, shooting 7-8 from the field in the back 20 minutes while on her way to a 20-point total.

Women’s basketball wins nailbiter after heroic shot sends team to A-10 quarterfinals

By Zach Blackburn and Ben Spitalny
March 2, 2023
GW hasn’t reached the NCAA tournament since 2018, when the team last won the conference tournament.

A-10 Championship preview: Women’s basketball heads to Delaware for conference tourney

By Zach Blackburn
March 2, 2023
Students said the focus groups took place at the Behavioral Laboratory on the third floor of Duquès Hall, where officials from the Chicago-based marketing firm Yes& Lipman Hearne watched from behind a one-way mirror.

Marketing firm surveys students on 15 moniker ideas in private focus groups

By Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
February 2, 2023
GW Palooza's 25 ambassadors helped craft the events to better fit the schedules of busy students.

GW Palooza returns with weekend of festivities to bolster school spirit

By Zach Blackburn
February 2, 2023
Graduate forward Mayowa Taiwo during a game last semester.

Women’s basketball dominates Dayton, solidifying standing among A-10 elite

By Zach Blackburn, Nick Pasion and Jaden DiMauro
January 30, 2023
Music acts as a unifying force in uncertain times, helping us through heartbreak and cheering us on when we succeed.

The Hatchet’s top 22 songs of 2022

By Clara Duhon, Zach Blackburn, Nora Fitzgerald, Julia Koscelnik and Eoighan Noonan
December 30, 2022
Jabari Stafford, a former men’s tennis player, claims multiple tennis coaches, players and department staff members “fostered an environment that was conducive to blatant discriminatory conduct.”

Federal court revives former tennis player’s racial discrimination suit against University

By Zach Blackburn
December 25, 2022
James Bishop IV at a game in December 2022.

Men’s basketball trounces South Carolina in nationally televised showdown

By Zach Blackburn and Jaden DiMauro
December 1, 2022
Netflix bought the rights to two “Knives Out” sequels including “Glass Onion,” which is showing in limited theaters before releasing on Netflix in late December.

High-profile cast delivers captivating ‘Knives Out’ sequel in ‘Glass Onion’

By Zach Blackburn
December 1, 2022
Senators unanimously approved SA Sen. Ian Ching, ESIA-U, to serve as chair of the finance committee, after the former chair resigned.

Report accuses SA finance committee chair of negligence, bias while managing student funds

By Zach Blackburn and Erika Filter
November 21, 2022
Rita Champagne, a Columbia Plaza Apartments resident, said she has tried to prevent the crashes, painting the median and placing cones, which has amounted to little success.

Vice President Harris’ vehicle crashes near Shenkman Hall

By Zach Blackburn
October 5, 2022
Two police officers enter Guthridge Hall with yellow caution tape after emergency responders received a report of a “possible obvious death” on the 2100 block of F Street.

MPD investigating death in Guthridge Hall after receiving report of unconscious student

By Zach Blackburn, Sophia Goedert and Grace Chinowsky
September 13, 2022
The organization has made eight demands of GW, including an apology and additional training.

Officials fill vacant Office of Advocacy and Support leadership positions

By Zach Blackburn
September 12, 2022
The University's enrollment in U-Pass will let students explore the D.C. area for the $100-per-semester rate.

Train strikes person at Foggy Bottom station: Metro official

By Zach Blackburn and Henry Huvos
August 28, 2022
“We were best friends,” Shawn O’Donnell's mom said. “And now my best friend’s gone.”

The death of cyclist Shawn O’Donnell and the warning signs D.C. missed

By Zach Blackburn
August 22, 2022
Along with its salad and hummus bowl options, Little Sesame offers three oat milk soft serve ice cream choices – vanilla tahini, chocolate Turkish coffee and a swirl with the two combined (each $4.95).

Dish of the Week: Little Sesame’s oat milk soft serve

By Isha Trivedi, Zach Blackburn and Nuria Diaz
July 21, 2022
The bread was expertly fried and perfectly held the warmth of the potatoes and channa, which were the real stars of the dish.

Dish of the Week: St. James’ aloo and channa pies

By Zach Blackburn
July 14, 2022
The appeal alleges non-white players faced years of racism, from frequent racist slurs, harassment and harsher punishment from coaches for minor infractions.

Former men’s tennis player continues lawsuit as documents show culture of racism

By Zach Blackburn and Henry Huvos
June 9, 2022
Wrighton called on University community members to “advocate for change” in their commitment to problem-solving across disciplines and partisan lines.

Wrighton says he tested positive for COVID-19

By Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
April 20, 2022

Men’s rowing captain doubles down on team’s varsity status lawsuit

By Zach Blackburn
April 17, 2022
The Colonials head to Philadelphia this weekend for a three-game series against A-10 opponent Saint Joseph’s.

Baseball falls in non-conference bout to William and Mary

By Zach Blackburn and Nuria Diaz
April 14, 2022
Falafel Inc., located at 1210 Potomac St. NW, offers falafel sandwiches for $3.

Best new Western Market vendor: Falafel Inc.

By Zach Blackburn
April 11, 2022
Basement dining capacity in District House is limited to 25 percent capacity, in accordance with D.C.'s guidelines for indoor dining.

Officials delay District House dining hall opening later during upcoming academic year

By Zach Blackburn and Tyler Krambeer
April 11, 2022
GW's men's rowing team is one of the few nationwide that has not been reinstated, despite its record-setting finishes last season.

Federal judge denies request to reinstate varsity status of men’s rowing team

By Zach Blackburn
April 8, 2022
Steve Berman, co-counsel on the original case, is also leading a lawsuit challenging the limits the NCAA is placing on future name, image and likeness opportunities for college athletes.

Former GW adjunct professor Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to Supreme Court

By Zach Schonfeld and Zach Blackburn
April 7, 2022
Omar Williams, who MPD said had no fixed address, was also charged with robbery, simple assault and theft in connection with two other off-campus incidents.

Number of people barred from campus dropped by more than half since 2017: data

By Zach Blackburn
April 7, 2022
GW's men's rowing team is one of the few nationwide that has not been reinstated, despite its record-setting finishes last season.

GW lawyers move lawsuit to reinstate men’s rowing before federal court

By Zach Blackburn
April 5, 2022
Officials announced in July 2020 that they would remove seven sports programs, citing financial constraints.

Rowing team captain sues GW to reinstate team’s varsity status

By Zach Blackburn and Nuria Diaz
April 4, 2022
Since 2015, enrollment in integrative medicine programs at the medical school has increased from 17 to 52 students.

GW sues pharmaceutical companies over alleged patent infringement

By Zach Blackburn
April 1, 2022
One commissioner suggested that students should testify to the D.C. Council when the body starts hearings on ANC maps in April.

Foggy Bottom community leaders spar over updated ANC map, student representation

By Zach Blackburn
March 28, 2022
Alana Haim of pop-rock band HAIM and Cooper Hoffman, son of the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, co-star in the coming-of-age comedy ‘Licorice Pizza.'

A rundown of the Oscars’ 2022 nominations for Best Picture

By Zach Blackburn, Henry Huvos, Isabella Pedraza, Jackson Lanzer, Molly Macfarlane, Krishna Rajpara and Oliver Grover
March 24, 2022
As officials prepared to open an all-you-can-eat dining hall in Shenkman Hall next academic year, Potbelly had been the only existing vendor to remain in the building.

Potbelly closes after 16 years in Shenkman Hall

By Zach Blackburn
March 24, 2022
Tyler’s entire set displayed an excessive opulence that contrasts his grandiose on-stage presence with the hopeless romanticism heard in songs like “CORSO.”

Tyler, the Creator’s outlandish performance at Capital One Arena

By Clara Duhon and Zach Blackburn
March 10, 2022
GW has received more than $47 million under the three pandemic-era federal stimulus bills.

D.C. appeals court revives lawsuit demanding refunds for remote learning

By Zach Blackburn
March 10, 2022
Jamie Cohen-Cole, a faculty senator, said officials' potential plans to renovate Mitchell and Madison halls in the next several years could leave GW with insufficient housing for the number of on-campus students.

Residence hall renovation projects could limit student enrollment, faculty say

By Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
February 24, 2022
Commissioner Trupti Patel, the lone vote against the bakery’s application, aired concerns about how Tatte's West End location handled COVID-19 safety restrictions during the earlier stages of the pandemic.

ANC approves application for Tatte location on I Street

By Zach Blackburn
February 22, 2022
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly and Chief Financial Officer Mark Diaz attended Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony alongside other officials.

D.C. FEMS commemorates campus firehouse reopening with ribbon-cutting ceremony

By Zach Blackburn
February 17, 2022
This weekend marks President’s Weekend Palooza, a four-day celebration of school spirit filled with nine events.

Weekend Outlook – Catch GW’s Greek orgs face off in a dodgeball tournament

By Zach Blackburn
February 17, 2022
During her 15 years on the Council, Cheh helped increase education about nutrition and health in D.C.’s public schools and fought to increased the District’s tipped minimum wage.

GW Law professor Mary Cheh will not seek fifth term on D.C. Council

By Zach Blackburn
February 14, 2022
The program is restricted to Vern residents, who don’t have access to Foggy Bottom’s SafeRide service.

GW to provide Vern residents with free late-night Lyft rides between campuses

By Zach Blackburn
February 11, 2022

Leaks, steam force temporary closure of part of Kogan Plaza

By Zach Blackburn
February 10, 2022
Wrighton has apologized for directing officials to take down the posters, saying he responded “hastily” without understanding the posters’ context.

Removal of posters criticizing Chinese government gains national attention

By Zach Blackburn and Abby Kennedy
February 10, 2022
For many students, poor internet connections and feelings of isolation are pushing them to find housing in D.C.

Officials are not investigating posters criticizing Chinese government, Wrighton says

By Zach Blackburn and Abby Kennedy
February 7, 2022
The Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission approved a GW zoning request to designate District House as residential dining instead of public.

Locals voice concerns over loss of affordable dining options with GW dining overhaul

By Zach Blackburn
February 7, 2022
Metrobus had been operating on a Saturday schedule during weekdays since Jan. 10.

Metrobus to resume regular weekday service after month of staff shortages

By Zach Blackburn
February 3, 2022
Students said adding electronic tap access to residence halls alleviates the worry of losing their key.

GW loosens residence hall guest policy to expand to off-campus community

By Zach Blackburn
February 3, 2022
The primary election will take place June 21.

At-Large D.C. Council member Robert White’s plan to challenge Bowser’s re-election bid

By Zach Blackburn
January 31, 2022
Students who test positive for coronavirus are required to isolate for 10 days under GW’s guidance.

Inside the four-star hotel housing students with COVID-19

By Zach Blackburn
January 24, 2022
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., addressed questions from ANC commissioners at the meeting, where she stressed the need for D.C. statehood and announced she will hold a virtual town hall about road safety later this month.

ANC approves application to remove District House public access under new dining plan

By Zach Blackburn
January 20, 2022
The sandwich comes wrapped in a soft bun covered in a layer of melted butter.

Dish of the Week: Roaming Rooster’s honey butter chicken sandwich

By Zach Blackburn
January 20, 2022
Sounds of the blue line stations accompanied by photos of the metro stations

WMATA CEO, general manager announces retirement from agency

By Zach Blackburn
January 19, 2022
Sounds of the blue line stations accompanied by photos of the metro stations

Metro delays to persist for at least three months as railcar shutdown continues

By Zach Blackburn
January 19, 2022
The D.C. Department of Transportation has built more bike lanes, lowered speed limits and banned right turns on red lights in high-risk intersections in recent years, but the number of traffic deaths have continued to climb.

D.C. traffic deaths reach 14-year high as Vision Zero Initiative faces growing scrutiny

By Zach Blackburn and Eduardo Rivas
January 18, 2022
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed an amendment last month to add new protections to a preexisting law on the legal and financial rights of sexual assault survivors.

Bowser reinstates public health emergency to address hospital staff shortages

By Zach Blackburn
January 11, 2022
The year started with the National Guard's occupation of campus after the Jan. 6 insurrection, drawing thousands of troops to station in Foggy Bottom during the buildup to President Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

Year in review: Top stories of 2021

By Isha Trivedi and Zach Blackburn
December 30, 2021
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority fare system will no longer permit riders to complete rides on the bus or subway with a negative balance on SmarTrip cards.

Metro pauses return of 7000-series railcars, extending service reductions

By Zach Blackburn
December 29, 2021
The strip of New Hampshire Avenue in front of the Saudi Arabian Embassy will be dedicated to the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

D.C. Council renames street outside Saudi Embassy after slain journalist

By Zach Blackburn
December 10, 2021
Officials said they hired nearly twice as many student access monitors than this time last academic year.

GW to enhance campus accessibility with three years of renovation projects

By Zach Blackburn
December 2, 2021
Hatchet photographers documented Black Lives Matter rallies from May to August across the nation.

D.C. surpasses 200 homicides, highest count since 2003

By Zach Blackburn
November 30, 2021
The total value of the University’s endowment decreased in market value by 1.13 percent in fiscal year 2019, from about $1.80 billion to about $1.78 billion.

LeBlanc affirms support for Palestinian students as officials investigate complaint

By Zach Blackburn and Michelle Vassilev
November 22, 2021
Students’ free trial of U-Pass will begin on Dec. 1 and last through the end of finals.

GW to distribute free trial U-Pass cards after Thanksgiving break

By Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
November 22, 2021
Palestine Legal had sent the complaint to officials Nov. 8 on behalf of an employee from the Office of Advocacy and Support.

Students rally after group files human rights complaint against GW

By Zach Blackburn
November 22, 2021
The Foggy Bottom and West End ANC voted to approve the installation of a Flixbus stop and hosted a discussion with D.C. Council member and mayoral candidate Robert White at the meeting.

ANC approves intercity bus stop installation near campus

By Zach Blackburn
November 18, 2021
Sylvia Marotta-Walters, the chair of the senate’s physical facilities committee, presented the resolution about the facilities plan to the senate.

Faculty Senate pushes for increased faculty influence over strategic facilities plan

By Isha Trivedi, Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion
November 15, 2021
The Lerner Health and Wellness Center on G St.

Lerner to close for portion of 2022 as officials make roof repairs, HVAC updates

By Zach Blackburn
November 15, 2021

Crime log: Female student reports assault on campus

By Carly Neilson and Zach Blackburn
November 15, 2021
Surrounding people did not appear to hear gunshots before the person was airlifted.

Person dies after being found with apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound near Lincoln Memorial

By Isha Trivedi and Zach Blackburn
November 8, 2021
The eight-lane pool is frequently used by GW’s club swim team.

Smith Center pool chemical system failure upends club team practices

By Zach Blackburn
November 8, 2021
Some members of the Metro Board of Directors expressed support for implementing a $2 flat fee for riding the Metrorail.

GW to enroll in U-Pass after years of student advocacy

By Lauren Sforza and Zach Blackburn
November 5, 2021
The 10 new CCAS hires are down from 26 in 2023 and 24 in 2022.

GW sues insurance company for alleged property damage during COVID-19 pandemic

By Isha Trivedi and Zach Blackburn
November 3, 2021

Student reports mezuzah stolen, returned damaged

By Zach Blackburn
November 3, 2021

GW College Democrats, Republicans condemn vandalism in joint statement

By Zach Blackburn
November 1, 2021
TKE chapter president Chris Osborne said a Torah was vandalized and hot sauce was smeared over kitchen appliances, floors and walls in the chapter’s on-campus house.

Tau Kappa Epsilon reports Torah scroll vandalized at on-campus house

By Isha Trivedi and Zach Blackburn
October 31, 2021
Some members of the Metro Board of Directors expressed support for implementing a $2 flat fee for riding the Metrorail.

Metro adds trains to service as delays stretch into third week

By Zach Blackburn
October 31, 2021
Metro's ridership is currently at 12 percent of its pre-pandemic level, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Metro slowdown extended through Nov. 15 as officials work to get trains back on track

By Zach Blackburn
October 28, 2021
A food truck will come to the Virginia Science and Technology Campus every Thursday this semester from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials expand COVID-19 testing on VSTC

By Zach Blackburn
October 27, 2021
Capital Bikeshare tweeted that the company's bike stations would be "offline" Sunday night as the company removed all D.C. stations from a map on its website that displays each bikeshare posting throughout the DMV.

D.C. residents receive free one-month Capital Bikeshare membership for Metro delays

By Zach Blackburn
October 25, 2021
Four commissioners met at 2445 M St., gathering in person for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, while four others attended online as part of the ANC’s first hybrid meeting.

ANC requests District officials to delay homeless encampment evictions

By Zach Blackburn
October 23, 2021
Omar Williams, who MPD said had no fixed address, was also charged with robbery, simple assault and theft in connection with two other off-campus incidents.

MPD arrests suspect in G Street Garage assault

By Zach Blackburn, Abby Kennedy and Eddie Herzig
October 20, 2021
Local leaders said they support the proposed $100 Metro credit.

Metro delays to continue through weekend as investigators find repeated equipment issues

By Zach Blackburn
October 18, 2021
Officials hired architectural firm Cooper Roberston to develop the plan’s concepts.

Officials release roadmap for Strategic Campus and Facilities Master Plan

By Zach Blackburn
October 18, 2021
The ANC unanimously voted to call on city lawmakers to provide showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities for people experiencing homelessness in Foggy Bottom so they can avoid walking long distances to use public facilities.

ANC explained: Your most local form of government

By Zach Blackburn
October 18, 2021
Without further stimulus from the federal government, the planned cuts may enter effect in 2022, WMATA officials said.

Metro pulls 60 percent of rail fleet from service after derailment

By Zach Blackburn
October 17, 2021
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