The District - AWOL

Community Profile: Daniella Senior

Entrepreneur with a platform for change

Paul Caruso, Staff Writer • April 15, 2024

Daniella Senior is an entrepreneur, immigrant and Spring 2024 Sine fellow. At 34 years old, Senior is the founder of Colada Shop, owner of Serenata and co-founder of Bresca. Senior is hosting a Sine Institute...

Chasing history

Chevy Chase grapples with exclusionary history in fight for designation

Kalie Walker, Staff Editor • April 15, 2024

A bid to turn Chevy Chase, a neighborhood in Northwest Washington, into a historic district has ignited debate among community members that it would lead to less affordable housing and perpetuate a legacy...

Leasing litigation

Off-campus housing owners listed in price-fixing antitrust lawsuit

Helena Milburn and Alexia Partouche • April 15, 2024

Sarina Govindaiah, an American University junior who lives in the Berkshire Apartments, knew finding affordable housing in Washington, especially near campus was difficult. What she didn’t know is...

Uncertain future of D.C. teams impacts students looking to support district sports

D.C. sports fans react to possible Virginia arena plans as bill stalls in state legislature

Blake Guterman, Podcast Producer • March 18, 2024

American University student’s ability to attend sports games in Washington, D.C., has been called into question after the district’s sports teams have considered moving to Virginia. Gov. Glenn...

24/7 bus service followed by student use and safety policies

WMATA launches night bus service, security policies and an equity analysis

Abigail Lynn Williams, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024

Following the launch of 24/7 bus service on several Metro routes on Dec. 17, 2023, students have been utilizing the service and Metro officials are implementing policies geared towards passenger equity...

Monthly Dupont walk showcases world of art

Dupont Circle BID collaborates with embassies and artists for a self-guided walk and performances

Lizzie Graff and Ava Ramsdale • January 22, 2024

Washington, D.C., residents and visitors gathered at Dupont Circle on Oct. 6 to enjoy an immersive cultural experience through the ArtWalk Dupont. On the first Friday of each month, the Dupont Circle...

White House protesters continue 42-year-long fight for peace

Activists at Lafayette Park face violence and an aging volunteer base

Will Sytsma, Staff Editor • December 28, 2023

Activist Philipos Melaku-Bello saw a form of violence rather familiar to him on Friday, Oct. 13. He sat with fellow-activist Neil, in the same place he has for four decades, when a group of 25 people...

Rise in crime in D.C.

What is AU doing to keep its community safe?

Marisa Álvarez, Podcast Director • December 13, 2023

On Nov. 28, 2023, the student body received an email from Phillip Morse stating that the Metropolitan Police Department was investigating a robbery and assault that happened at the 3700 block of Nebraska...

Costs of housing

Rising rent and demand complicate search for housing

Ava Ramsdale, Staff Editor • November 29, 2023

Unable to secure campus housing at American University as an upperclassman, Madison DeFrancesco said she eventually found her college apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland. DeFrancesco, who graduated...

On our doorstep

A photo essay

Maegan Seaman, Multimedia Director • November 29, 2023

While walking the neighborhoods in the district, it’s interesting to stop and take notice of the little things. In the fast paced environment of American University, it can be so easy to become caught...

Little Amal in D.C.

How a 12-foot puppet has symbolized refugees across America

Emma Pierce and Michelle Miramontes • November 28, 2023

Washington, D.C., welcomed Little Amal, a puppet representing a young Syrian refugee, in September. Little Amal made her way across the National Mall and to the Washington Monument on Sept. 17, where...

The fight for Narcan

Students concerned as AU naloxone access on campus remains difficult.

Will Sytsma and Stella Camerlengo • November 28, 2023

Thomas Cortez said that he didn’t realize the lifesaving capability of Narcan – until he knew someone who overdosed. The medication saved their life. A Tennessee native and a student...