Meher Ahmad

Jan 2, 2025 | nytimes.com | Meher Ahmad

Homelessness in America has risen to record levels, according to a new report released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It's a worrying sign that the fragile social safety net that was erected during the pandemic has lapsed, and the country's most vulnerable are worse off for it. The agency's annual count of people experiencing homelessness, taken over the course of a single night in January 2024, indicates an 18 percent increase in homelessness from the year before.

Dec 31, 2024 | nytimes.com | Meher Ahmad |Vishakha Darbha

As the year comes to an end, Times Opinion staff members - and our listeners - shared the things from 2024 they wanted to take with them into the new year. They range from impromptu hangs to weird A.I. TikToks. Take a listen. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.) Image Thoughts? Email us at [email protected]. This episode of "The Opinions" was produced by Vishakha Darbha.

Dec 13, 2024 | nytimes.com | Meher Ahmad |Vishakha Darbha

Is there a movie, a book, a meme, a memory, a hobby you took up or a vice you quit that stayed with you this year, or helped you unwind and forget about everything else? Times Opinion wants to hear about it. Send us a voice memo at [email protected]. We need your name, phone number and where you're calling from. Tell us what you're holding on to and why as you head into 2025. You may get to hear your pick in an upcoming episode. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected].

Nov 26, 2024 | nytimes.com | Meher Ahmad

The real verdict on Donald Trump will be issued by the American people. That was the familiar rejoinder to those frustrated by the inability of the legal system to hold Trump accountable for the crimes he was charged with, against the American government and against its people. Instead of facing a jury of 12, Trump would face a jury of 160 million, give or take. It was the most democratic manner in which to handle this unique and imminent threat to democracy. Well, the jury has spoken.

Apr 10, 2024 | nytimes.com | Meher Ahmad |Derek Arthur

With the ongoing war and suffering in Gaza, this year's holy month of Ramadan has also been a painful one for Muslims around the world. In this audio essay, Times Opinion staff editor Meher Ahmad reflects on the support she has found during Ramadan in her Muslim community, and why she hopes other Muslims also reach out beyond that world of safety and understanding.