Trump’s transgender policies disregard science, human rights
By Sandy Fairclough, Staff Columnist
12:59 am
The transgender community won’t be silenced by the Trump administration's transphobic policies.
Eating to help the environment
By Emily Pinigis, Staff Columnist
November 13, 2018
A recent U.N. report on climate change shows we have only a couple of decades before we feel the serious effects of global warming. It’s more crucial now than ever to make environmentally conscious decisions — and those start on your plate.
The president who cried ‘fake news’
By Kelly Loftus, Staff Columnist
November 11, 2018
Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the media has quickly become a defining characteristic of his presidency. But this war against the media not only signifies a lack of respect for both the Constitution and American history, it represents a threat to one of democracy’s most basic fundamentals rights — freedom of the press.
Exploring the Boot with Grace: Studying while abroad
By Grace McGinness, Columnist
November 9, 2018
Some students become so excited over their study abroad experience and all the extra bonuses that come with it like new food, new experiences and new friends that they forget their main obligation — studying.
Stigmatizing mental illness causes harm
By Emily Pinigis, Staff Columnist
November 9, 2018
Everyone has had days when it seems people are just hard to be around. But you should not make anyone — especially those with hidden mental illnesses — the victim of your grumpiness.
Poem: Ode to my Juul
By Shahum Ajmal, Contributing Editor
November 9, 2018
USB they call you, To which I am left speechless. Yet, I persist to puff you.
The GOP’s white nationalism problem
By Aaron Lindstrom, For The Pitt News
November 8, 2018
One of the issues the Republican party focused on in these midterm elections was immigration — and Republican rhetoric on this issue continued to reveal how white nationalism is seeping into the party.
Populism sparks high voter turnout
By Delilah Bourque, Senior Staff Writer
November 7, 2018
Populist movements get people to the polls at home and abroad. This year’s historic midterm turnout is just one example of voters showing up to fight rhetoric they deem dangerous.
Bolsonaro: fascist dictator masquerading as president
By Jason Henriquez, Staff Columnist
November 6, 2018
Tolerating Bolsonaro's views isn’t just a controversial political stance — it actually enables atrocities.
Trump protests disrespectful to shooting victims
By Josh Beylinson, For The Pitt News
November 5, 2018
I was shocked to see so many protesters near where Trump paid his respects to the fallen. A memorial to the Tree of Life shooting victims is not the place to stage a political protest, and is downright disrespectful to Jews.
What a World
By Emily Pinigis, Staff Columnist
November 1, 2018
What a world we live in Where kindness is overshadowed by sin And inky skies are speckled with dying stars That light this dark world and all the souls’ scars
More tricks than treats: Halloween’s sexual assault problem
By Anne Marie Yurik, Staff Columnist
November 1, 2018
Halloween is a scary time, but not because of cobwebs and skeletons — for women, the dangers of sexual assault are very real.
Gab: a dangerous haven for white supremacists
By Neena Hagen, Assistant Opinions Editor
October 31, 2018
Gab, a fringe social media site frequented by Tree of Life shooter Robert Bowers, was taken down on Saturday — a great first step towards eradicating hate on the internet.
Spooky Sonnet
By Maggie Koontz, Senior Staff Columnist
October 31, 2018
Obey the laws on Halloween, All Hallows’ Eve, because not everything is what it seems. That night the veil between the worlds becomes quite obsolete.
PERSEPECTIVE | How the Jewish community hopes to heal
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
October 29, 2018
The Jewish community has been strong in the face of such a horrific tragedy, a testament to its resilience and virtue. As community members mourn the loss of 11 of their family and friends, they look to heal their wounds.
Community support necessary to recover
By Ana Altchek, Staff Columnist
October 28, 2018
It is in bleak times like this that members of the community need to be proactive instead of reactive in order to bring comfort and safety to their fellow neighbors, and to prevent acts of violence like this from occurring in the future.
The Artist Autumn
By Emily Pinigis, For The Pitt News
October 25, 2018
Auburn hair and auburn leaves The fragrance of peace surrounds her Spread across the land by her radiant smile And all is calm in the world
Point-Counterpoint: Wonderful Wawa
By Neena Hagen, Assistant Opinions Editor
October 25, 2018
Wawa’s formula is simple — good food and good service makes for happy customers. And boy, am I one happy customer.
Point-Counterpoint: Splendid Sheetz
By Allison Dantinne, For The Pitt News
October 25, 2018
Sheetz and Wawa, Pennsylvania’s Capulets and Montagues, have battled for supremacy in the Keystone State for decades — Sheetz dominates the western part of the state.
Where to eat in the wake of the Market health inspection
By Delilah Bourque, Senior Staff Columnist
October 24, 2018
When Market was cited for 14 health code violations by the Allegheny County Health Department on Oct. 10, many were — and still are — left wondering if they should start looking elsewhere for lukewarm pizza at 1 a.m. on a Thursday. Here are a few suggestions for those who feel like they have nowhere left to go.
Pitt needs needle disposal containers
By Cammy Morsberger, For The Pitt News
October 24, 2018
Needle use is on the rise — hundreds of thousands of young people use needles to treat illnesses — yet Pitt has no needle disposal boxes in public restrooms.
What readers need to understand about journalism
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
October 23, 2018
Widespread distrust of the media poses a threat to the free flow and sharing of knowledge, and journalists need to work with the community they inform to rebuild their relationship.
Stop colloquializing mental illness
By Kelly Loftus, For The Pitt News
October 21, 2018
Generalizations that trivialize the constant struggle that accompanies life with a mental illness, while also perpetuating stereotypes associated with certain conditions, jeopardize mental health treatment and the progress society has made in taking these issues seriously.
Phones are damaging our mental health
By Cammy Morsberger, For The Pitt News
October 19, 2018
October is Mental Health Awareness month, so it's imperative that we act to unplug our devices and not only enjoy the company of others, but also improve and support our mental well-being.
Trump administration: a worldwide embarrassment
By Josh Gaylord, For The Pitt News
October 19, 2018
Trump claims he’s “accomplished more than almost any administration” — but his “accomplishments” have hardly been good. The president has pushed archaic policies and eroded political alliances.
Trump mocks Ford: a tragedy for #MeToo and the country
By Kelly Loftus, For The Pitt News
October 17, 2018
Trump mocked Ford’s allegations against Kavanaugh — a harmful and disrespectful move. As the leader of the country, the president is responsible for emphasizing the legitimacy of important issues.
Pitt grad students deserve right to unionize
By Delilah Bourque, Senior Staff Columnist
October 17, 2018
Graduate students may be here for an education, but at universities, including Pitt, grad students don’t just function as scholars, but employees as well. They should have the right to unionize.
Corporations need to step up to limit climate change
By Sandy Fairclough, Staff Columnist
October 15, 2018
The scientific panelists at the U.N. have proved that if we want to avoid detrimental changes to our planet’s climate, someone needs do something to address the major impact human activity is having on the planet, fast. This responsibility lands on the large corporations who have most contributed to this environmental damage.
Don’t forget self-care during midterms
By Allison Dantinne, For The Pitt News
October 11, 2018
For many students, midterm season doesn’t end when tests are graded. The fear of failing or not doing as well as anticipated can loom over students and may contribute to problems later in the semester.
Op-Ed: Coming out can set you free
By Ravi Gandhi
October 11, 2018
I’d like to discuss coming out as the lengthy process it is and give tips from some painfully awkward experiences I’ve had. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but very freeing as well.
Kavanaugh FBI investigation inadequate
By Allison Dantinne, For The Pitt News
October 10, 2018
The FBI investigation into Ford’s allegations initially seemed like a victory for those who opposed Kavanaugh, but from the start, it was clearly spun to favor Kavanaugh’s version of events.
How Global Studies helped Martinec on the path to success
By Elise Lavallee, Digital Manager
October 10, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Columns, Opinions
This page was made possible in part by a grant from Year of Pitt Global. At the age of 21, Alyssa Martinec boarded a plane to Shanghai, embarking on her second trip to China. This time, she was going to conduct research about air quality and the system justification theory. “Environmental issues are extreme...
Bill Cosby gets away with a slap on the wrist
By Ana Altchek, Staff Columnist
October 9, 2018
Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for sexual assault. But that's not enough considering his horrific crimes.
Amazon wage increase is not good enough
By Jason Henriquez, For The Pitt News
October 9, 2018
Amazon recently announced an increase in the minimum wage for its hourly workers, but until the company enables unionization efforts, increases benefits to independent contractors and veteran workers and stops avoiding taxes, it shouldn’t receive any kudos.
Expand, don’t revise, Columbus’ history
By Kelly Loftus, For The Pitt News
October 8, 2018
Current American history education is inadequate and neglects the negative consequences of the actions of historical figures. On Columbus Day, it's important to recognize that our teaching of Columbus' past needs to include a full description of his actions, both positive and negative.
Respect the pumpkin spice latte as a cultural icon
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Columnist
October 4, 2018
The haters need to back off. Pumpkin spice deserves a spot in our fall landscape. It doesn’t deserve to be loathed so strongly, and neither does the demographic that loves it so much.
Homecoming should build community, scrap outdated traditions
By Angela Koontz, For The Pitt News
October 4, 2018
Homecoming court and football games are fun traditions, but they don’t make the most of what homecoming has to offer. Smaller networking events are better to help students interact with alumni.
Down with the monarchy
By Grace McGinness, Staff Columnist
October 3, 2018
There is no place for homecoming court in 2018. That may sound harsh, but after all it’s just a silly tradition for students who want to have fun.
Last-minute picks for homecoming court
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
October 3, 2018
The nominees for homecoming court are decided, and it’s too late for any last-second additions. But there’s so many contestants who were disqualified just because they’re not students — and many would totally win if they could enter. If I could decide Pitt’s homecoming king and queen, these would be my choices.
Patience, not partisanship, required in Kavanaugh hearings
By Hayden Timmins, Staff Columnist
October 3, 2018
Senators attacked Kavanaugh and failed to ask Ford adequately probing questions — pointing to a hyper-partisan battle that hasn’t yet allowed room for a patient inquiry of the facts.
Communities play major role in solving environmental issues
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
October 1, 2018
As state and national governments fail to adequately protect residents from industrial emissions and a changing climate, local communities must step up to effect change on their own behalf.
Pay attention to all gun violence, not just mass shootings
By Neena Hagen, Assistant Opinions Editor
October 1, 2018
There are many different types of gun violence in America today, and calling for simple, blanket solutions to such a multifaceted issue won’t solve anything, just exacerbate existing problems.
Eternal Evening
By Emily Pinigis, For The Pitt News
September 27, 2018
As the sky is painted orange and pink, I catch you leaning as if to see it. But your eyes remain shut, and so I think, For however long it takes, I will sit By your side, holding your hand till it’s time For you to leave me. I’ll touch the darkness, Push it far away with all of it...
Blind Devotion
By Emily Pinigis, For The Pitt News
September 27, 2018
With a tongue like a silver blade, He effortlessly entrances and seduces That velvety voice beckons not to be afraid Always a gentleman I am none the wiser I am under his spell of nightshade His precious little puppet I’ll play my part in his charade Captivating sovereign ...
Prisoners deserve to be evacuated too
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Columnist
September 27, 2018
In past storms, prisoners have suffered when they haven’t been evacuated, and during Florence two people in custody died. The issue isn’t one of safety — it’s one of morality.
Voting’s not a pain, it’s a privilege
By Anne Marie Yurik, Staff Columnist
September 26, 2018
Voting the core of America’s foundation. It’s how we distinguish ourselves from the idle subjects of a non-democratic ruler. Many modern Americans view voting as a hassle, but really it’s a privilege.
Exploring the Boot with Grace:
Embrace your inner tourist
By Grace McGinness, Columnist, Blogger
September 25, 2018
Since I have arrived in Florence, the problem of tourists has been a main point of conversation with my professors. Tourists stand in the road and mess up traffic, they don’t know how to speak any Italian or adhere to any of the local customs, they don’t take the time to appreciate anything that they see here.
Integrate Haredi Jews with secular society
By Josh Beylinson, For The Pitt News
September 24, 2018
The Haredim must integrate with mainstream Israeli society soon, or else Israel will become a country of two divided Jewish demographics unable to work together for the common good of the nation.
Kaepernick doesn’t give Nike the ethical high ground
By Sandy Fairclough, For The Pitt News
September 23, 2018
The only message that Nike is sending in partnering with Kaepernick is that the company is willing to capitalize on someone else’s humanitarian ideas while ignoring its own inhumane system.
Latest textbook editions put an extra burden on students
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Columnist
September 20, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Uncategorized
Being a college student is expensive. With average costs of books per academic year already soaring past the $1,000 mark, it only makes sense for professors to do everything they can to supplement information instead of mandating pricier new editions.
Dear Pitt: without waterless urinals, urine trouble
By Joshua Jordan, Staff Columnist
September 19, 2018
Installing waterless urinals is the perfect way to reduce water and energy consumption — which is a huge part of Pitt’s sustainability plan.
New Pa. prison policies only oppress prisoners
By Jason Henriquez, For The Pitt News
September 18, 2018
PA Department of Corrections unveiled a set of bureaucratic policies for prisons designed to prevent recent drug trafficking incidents. But these policies won't protect citizens or inmates.
Focus on science — not profit — when passing laws
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
September 17, 2018
As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become increasingly common, we need to anticipate the expected changes in climate and modify our plans for public and private infrastructure accordingly.
Beyond reform: Abolish ICE
By Jason Henriquez, For The Pitt News
September 16, 2018
Giving the power to deport naturalized citizens to ICE, an undemocratic organization dominated by the executive branch, opens the door to a multitude of injustices.
Harvard must end affirmative action policies
By Neena Hagen, Hayden Timmins, The Pitt News Staff
September 14, 2018
Affirmative action programs had good intentions back in the 1960s — and good results for racial minorities — but today they’re just weapons against high-achieving minorities like Asian Americans.
Exploring the Boot with Grace
By Grace McGinness, Blogger
September 13, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Columns, Opinions
During my orientation week as newly arrived first-year at Pitt, I picked up every study abroad flyer offered. I’d spent several years studying American history on U.S. soil already — I figured studying another country’s history on its soil would be a nice change of pace. Now, as a junior double...
Take a gap year before grad school
By Rachel Boward, For The Pitt News
September 12, 2018
Taking a gap year after graduation provides a break for students who’ve spent their lives in academia. It also allows students to discover a purpose outside of education and pursue job opportunities.
Get hired: a guide to your next job interview
By Maggie Koontz, Senior Columnist
September 12, 2018
Interviews aren’t difficult because of questions — but because you can only make one first impression on a potential employer. While resumes are important, so are your appearance and mannerisms.
To go to grad school or not to go to grad school… that is the question
By The Pitt News Staff
September 12, 2018
Our staff weighs in on whether or not they're planning on going to grad school
First days in Florence
By Grace McGinness, Staff Columnist
September 11, 2018
I decided to study abroad when the Italian culture charmed me during mandatory language classes in high school. A land with more than 1,000 years of history and each corner with its own distinct culture, I wanted more than anything to live and learn in Italy.
Education, not cameras, will solve student safety issues
By Sandy Fairclough, For The Pitt News
September 11, 2018
Until Pitt starts informing students about general safety in Oakland, cameras, SafeRider and other safety features around campus won’t be effective — so they won’t protect Pitt students.
Point-Counterpoint: Appoint Kavanaugh
By Hayden Timmins, Staff Columnist
September 10, 2018
Judge Kavanaugh would make an excellent Supreme Court justice. In an era where the legislative branch delegates superfluous amounts of power to the Supreme Court, Kavanaugh strictly opposes this.
Point-Counterpoint: Don’t appoint Kavanaugh
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Columnist
September 9, 2018
Kavanaugh's record as a U.S. circuit judge and his behavior during his confirmation hearings show he is a liar who doesn't follow the precedent of courts before him — which will be disastrous for the American people, especially women.
Poetry: Move-in on Meyran
By Maggie Koontz, Senior Columnist
September 6, 2018
cars parallel parked not quite bumper to bumper on residential streets minivans and moving vans packed to capacity trunks and doors slam open and shut people coming and going in and out of apartments carrying a couple chairs up the stairs mattresses held above their...
Poetry: Flash Through Four Years
By Maggie Koontz, Senior Columnist
September 6, 2018
first year here, eyes full of wonder and optimistic at heart. a taste of freedom far from my home. my dorm is not my own. a stranger in this city. sophomore scene isn’t what it seems. I am split be- tween two cities, not houseless, feeling homeless. everything minor is major ...
Breathe easier: More air quality regulations needed
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
September 5, 2018
With the federal government waging a war against the environment, state and local authorities must enforce air quality regulations to protect public health.
Pitt’s community action plan won’t improve fraternity conduct
By Hayden Timmins, For The Pitt News
September 4, 2018
The new community action plan — which lifts Pitt's Greek Life probation from January — makes steps toward reforming frat culture at Pitt. It's a great first step, but not nearly enough to eradicate these appalling drug- and alcohol-related “accidents” at fraternities.
Reality TV needs to treat harassment more seriously
By Anne Marie Yurik, Staff Columnist
September 3, 2018
Incidents of misconduct or harassment should be presented in a more serious way on TV since they can impact not only those involved but also viewers and how they might react or respond to similar circumstances.
Reduce use of antibiotics in agriculture
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Columnist
August 30, 2018
It’s unnecessary and harmful to consumers to treat unafflicted creatures with antibiotics, and it’s cruel to inflate the growth of animals on industrial farms.
Harsher hazing law is a step in the right direction
By Maggie Durwald, Opinions Editor
August 29, 2018
Other states should model Tim’s Law to adopt harsher stances against hazing — to do so, they’ll need the help of activists like the Anti-Hazing Coalition as well as universities and Greek life.
Philippine Nationality Room highlights need for diversity
By Grace McGinness, For The Pitt News
August 28, 2018
The Philippine Nationality room is an important step in diversifying the Nationality Rooms, 20 of which represent white European countries.
Bike lanes are for cyclists only
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
August 27, 2018
Drivers in Pittsburgh should support the development of bike infrastructure in the City, because it will not only make rides safer for cyclists — it will also ensure that bicycles come into less contact with cars, alleviating stress that drivers could face.
Catholic Church bears collective responsibility for sex crimes
By Neena Hagen, Assistant Opinions Editor
August 26, 2018
For decades, the Catholic Church has been hammered with sexual abuse allegations in countless dioceses across the globe — and just last week, six Pennsylvania dioceses joined that list in dramatic fashion.
Courses to spice up your fall schedule
By Maggie Durwald, Opinions Editor
August 26, 2018
Whether you want a course to fulfill a gen-ed requirement or decided to tweak your schedule so you can get out of that 8 a.m. lecture, here’s a list of 10 quirky, interesting courses offered this fall semester.
Host families enrich the study abroad experience
By Anna Bongardino, Contributing Editor
August 20, 2018
The most valuable experiences I had in Morocco were those that couldn’t have been more different from life in the United States — and that I would not have experienced had I stayed with other American students instead of my host family.
Pitt’s Public Health building is no longer Parran Hall – now what?
By Delilah Bourque, Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Pitt’s Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to rename Parran Hall in July. But the question of what the building’s new name should be remains — as well as how Pitt should go about renaming it.
Pittsburgh will have to prepare if Amazon arrives
By Brian Gentry, Senior Columnist
August 20, 2018
Amazon is expected to announce later this year where it will house its HQ2. Regardless of the company’s decision, Pittsburgh’s best course of action is to develop preventative policies.
Point: Plastic straw bans are a beneficial beginning
By Joshua Jordan, For The Pitt News
August 20, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Welcome Back 2018
The growing trend among cities and corporations of banning plastic straws is an attainable undertaking that will benefit the environment and human health.
Counterpoint: Plastic straw bans are an erroneous endeavor
By Neena Hagen, Senior Columnist
August 20, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Welcome Back 2018
These policies may be well-intentioned, but one glance at the data reveals they are misguided, unnecessary and even potentially harmful.
Campus ‘Goatscapers’ help the environment, look cute
By Maggie Durwald, Senior Columnist
August 20, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Welcome Back 2018
While the 12 goats the University employed seems like only one small step in the ambitious Pitt Sustainability Plan, it has had a big effect.
State should step up to address rising tuition
By Janine Faust, Opinions Editor
August 20, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Welcome Back 2018
Pennsylvania colleges have some of the highest average tuition rates in the country. But instead of taking action to address the roots of the state’s student debt crisis, the state responded by introducing a new program that encourages families to prepare for when they fall victim to it.
5 obsolete jobs we need to bring back
By Kim Rooney, Contributing Editor
July 18, 2018
There’s plenty of best-paying job lists you may feel tempted to pore over. But before you do, consider the careers that fell by the wayside in the past decades or centuries.
City should keep improving bus routes to Downtown for all
By Brian Gentry, Senior Columnist
July 18, 2018
It is vital that the city delivers on its promise to provide quick access to Downtown for the communities that need it most.
The ascension of STEM doesn’t mean humanities are sinking
By Neena Hagen, Senior Columnist
July 11, 2018
In a world with an ever-increasing number of tech startups and engineering firms, our economy seems destined to be dominated by STEM specialists — which leaves universities scrambling to reinvent their educational offerings. Colleges are peppering their classrooms with expensive instruments and spending...
US actions toward Venezuela contradict professed concern
By Gabriela Cadahia | For The Pitt News
June 26, 2018
Venezuela, once the richest country in Latin America, is currently in the midst of an economic collapse of unprecedented magnitude. Falling oil prices and political corruption have sent the country into a spiral of hyperinflation and hunger that has forced 1.8 million people to flee in the past two ye...
China is phasing out its one-child policy for the wrong reasons
By Kim Rooney | Contributing Editor
June 20, 2018
The small oval scar on the top of my left arm goes unnoticed by most. They have no reason to look, since the United States stopped administering the smallpox vaccination in 1972. Even I forget it’s there, until news from across the ocean reminds me that it’s the physical marker of China, a country that...
The Pittsburgh pride of today ignores its roots
By Anaïs Foss | For The Pitt News
June 12, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Top Stories
As a member of a community under constant attack, attending pride celebrations used to feel like a breath of fresh air for me. Pride was always a space to be out safely and celebrate myself with other queer people. But things have changed. Pittsburgh Pride has been sponsored by natural gas compa...
Pittsburgh Zoo should not expand breeding program
By Gabriela Cadahia | For The Pitt News
June 6, 2018
Last summer, the Pittsburgh Zoo euthanized its only elephant calf — Little Bit, a premature three-month-old rejected by her mother who had stopped eating due to painful teething. PETA criticized the zoo for the way it handled Little Bit’s health and death — and this wasn’t the first time. The animal rights organization has criticized the zoo befor...
Editorial: Supreme Court’s decision hurts LGBTQ+ community
By The Pitt News Editorial Board
June 6, 2018
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission showed “hostility” toward a local baker when it decided he had discriminated against gay couple by refusing to bake a cake for their wedding in 2012. The ruling avoided a larger question the case presented, which is whether Jack Phil...
Staying single is the best choice when it comes to Pitt dorms
By Neena Hagen, Senior Columnist
May 30, 2018
As a first-year moving into Tower B, my first day of college mirrored everyone else’s — I scampered gleefully into Towers garage to retrieve my housing cart and impatiently waited for the elevator that would take me to meet my roommate. But unlike everyone else, my roommate left campus a couple w...
Respect Las Palmas: Stop purchasing ‘trendy’ ethnic food
By Jeremy Wang | Senior Columnist
May 30, 2018
Nestled away on Atwood Street is an Oakland gem that’s the stuff of legends — Las Palmas. As a big fan of Tex-Mex and home cooking, I do most of my grocery shopping at this small Mexican grocery store, where I can find ingredients such as jicama or prickly pears that conventional stores don’t carry...
Schenley Quad’s parking lot should have stayed
By Joshua Jordan | For The Pitt News
May 30, 2018
Filed under Columns, Opinions, Uncategorized
Not many students actually relied on the parking lot in Schenley Quadrangle for parking — but it served other purposes for carless Quad residents. It was instrumental as a pick-up and drop-off point for Ubers and allowed families to park right by dorms on moving days. But this useful transportat...
Don’t trivialize recreational clubs in college
By Grace McGinness | For The Pitt News
May 30, 2018
Before students even set foot on campus, they’re hit with the same phrase a thousand times — “college will be the best four years of of your life.” While cliche and outdated, that saying accomplishes its intended, albeit dangerous, goal — to cajole us into embracing college with open arms. Yet ...
Summer classes serve several purposes
By Justin Fekete | For The Pitt News
May 30, 2018
After final exams week for the spring term ends, most students feel they will get along fine without looking at a syllabus or opening another textbook until August. Many start preparing for internships, jobs or, for the lucky ones, endless hours of sleep. Taking more classes isn’t always the first...
Not just a sports city: Pittsburgh culture is hidden but vibrant
By Sarah Connor, Contributing Editor
May 30, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Columns, Opinions
I grew up in a small town about 25 miles outside of the City — near the Pittsburgh International Airport — called Moon Township. It was common for people from my town to attend schools in and around the City, and I come from a long line of Pitt alumni. But I was independent as a kid and wanted to have new...
Student restaurant deals should go beyond Oakland
By Delilah Bourque | Columnist
May 30, 2018
The best part of being a Pitt student is the endless dining options available around campus — and the deals that come with them. Whether it’s late-night, half-price pizzas at The Porch or Stack’d’s half-off appetizers during weeknight happy hours, you’re sure to satisfy your hungry stomach ...
U.S., like Ireland, needs to move forward on abortion laws
By Anne-Marie Yurik | Columnist
May 30, 2018
Ireland overturned the Eighth Amendment of its constitution May 25, effectively ending one of the world’s most restrictive bans on abortion and allowing room for more progressive laws to emerge in Ireland. Meanwhile, the United States seems to be moving backwards. The Supreme Court this week refus...
Pitt should expand artificial intelligence program
By Janine Faust | Opinions Editor
May 23, 2018
Pitt announced Monday morning a new institute that will bring researchers together to utilize computational skills — including artificial intelligence — to take a closer look at and possibly offer solutions to issues like the opioid epidemic and climate change. The announcement came less than two weeks af...
Pitt needs to pass on dining passes
By Grace McGinness | For The Pitt News
May 16, 2018
When I packed up my bags and headed off to college, I knew it was the end of home-cooked dinners and my all-access pass to the kitchen. No longer would I be able to grab a slice of peanut butter toast on the go — I’d need to spend a whole meal swipe just to use a toaster. But there was one issue I was completely unp...
Don’t let responsibilities ruin your summer
By Brian Gentry | Senior Columnist
April 22, 2018
When I was a kid and it got above 90 degrees, my parents would put out a sprinkler in the lawn and my brother and I would spend hours running back and forth through the water. My parents would work in the garden on weekends, watching us tire ourselves out. When we felt especially daring, my brother a...