Some things never change. And it’s very crazy to come back to school and realize that we’ve remembered things the way we did because that’s how they actually are. Book Trader coffee actually does taste like tikka masala. Shopping period really is that hectic. Walking up four flights to your dorm room is absolutely that tiring, and afternoon sun coming through the elm leaves of Old Campus is that overwhelmingly stunning.

But the other mind-boggling thing about returning to campus is seeing how much has changed. Salovey’s replaced Levin at the University’s helm. Blue State’s brew may taste the same, but the place has a whole new look. Half of L-Dub is renovated. (My heart goes out to the frosh in the other half.) And our Sterling Memorial Library—the study spot we love to hate—is now a hallway instead of a cathedral.

And you think things on campus are different? It just so happens that the Elm City’s about to undergo a massive shift: the imminent mayoral race (Democratic primary on Tues., Sep. 10!) in which we’ll get a new chief exec for the first time in 20 years. The Herald’s here to witness history—Emma Schindler, SM ’14, sizes up the competition and takes a look at what matters in a primary election whose three frontrunners actually agree on major policy points.

And then there are some things that have been going on under our noses the whole time. In Features, Julia Calagiovanni, SM ’15, looks at labor violations at Gourmet Heaven and in New Haven at large. In Voices, Lucy Fleming, SY ’16, examines her own actions and preferences through the experience of being watched. Culture’s got beekeepers, a cappella rush, and the Chabad house. We have opinion pieces on shopping for classes and gay men giving blood. The delightful entirety of Issue One is rounded off with a feature review of Blue Jasmine. And there’s so much more!

In the category of things that have stayed the same: we’re here. It’s 2013, we’re printing, and we’re having fun in the process. But—we’re also online! Our web presence is robust as ever. With the click of a mousepad, the Herald—and our friends at the Bullblog—will entertain you whether you’re in the lib, in lecture, avoiding randos in the dining hall, or enjoying a funky iced coffee and a cool late-summer breeze on Chapel Street. Hang with us! Be our friend!