The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor

Martha Layne is an Assistant News Editor at The Pitt News. A Pittsburgh (Pine-Richland) native, she plans to graduate in April 2022 with degrees in Finance and Accounting and minors in Economics and English Literature. She joined the news staff as a staff writer in May 2019, was promoted to a senior staff writer in April 2020 and has been an Assistant News Editor since August 2020.

You can contact her at [email protected]

All content by Martha Layne
News editor Martha Layne sits at her desk in The Pitt News office.

Column | Reluctantly rewarded

By Martha Layne, News Editor
April 19, 2022
News desk says ‘so long’ to graduating seniors

News desk says ‘so long’ to graduating seniors

By Martha Layne, News Editor
April 17, 2022
According to a recent CMRO email, COVID-19 cases on campus are “mild and low in number.”

Pitt adds 56 new COVID-19 cases since March 30

By Martha Layne, News Editor
April 7, 2022
Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher at the February 2019 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher to step down in summer 2023

By Martha Layne and Jon Moss
April 7, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union on campus.

Gallagher: Pitt’s in-state tuition discount at risk

By Martha Layne and Jon Moss
April 1, 2022
Students who received a booster vaccine dose should update their vaccination status, according to a Thursday email from the CMRO.

Pitt adds 29 new COVID-19 cases since March 23

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 31, 2022
Students who received a booster vaccine dose should update their vaccination status, according to a Thursday email from the CMRO.

Pitt adds 32 new COVID-19 cases since March 16

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 24, 2022
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt to relax mask requirements, adds 69 new COVID-19 cases since March 2

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 17, 2022
Aurora Sharrard, Pitt’s sustainability director, speaks at a 2019 town hall hosted by Student Government Board.

Pitt releases long-awaited climate plan

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 17, 2022
The street sign for Atwood Street in Oakland.

Oakland Plan released for public comment

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 13, 2022
A Walnut Capital advertisement.

Gainey, Walnut Capital reach deal on Oakland Crossings project

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 13, 2022
Students who received a booster vaccine dose should update their vaccination status, according to a Thursday email from the CMRO.

Pitt adds 73 new COVID-19 cases since Feb. 23, plans to reevaluate masking policy

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 3, 2022
Students and faculty protest Friday afternoon at the Cathedral Lawn, in a show of solidarity for the recently-invaded Ukraine.

Ukrainian Pitt professor raises more than $800k for humanitarian efforts

By Martha Layne, News Editor
March 1, 2022
Students who received a booster vaccine dose should update their vaccination status, according to a Thursday email from the CMRO.

Pitt adds 101 new COVID-19 cases since Feb. 16

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 24, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning.

Tuesday afternoon power outage affects multiple buildings on lower campus

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 22, 2022
The George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building on Pitt’s Bradford campus.

Board committees vote to rename building, expand endowment fund

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 20, 2022
According to an email from the CMRO, only 8% of the Pitt community has updated their vaccination booster status. Students can update their vaccination status online.

Pitt adds 159 new COVID-19 cases since Feb. 15

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 18, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union.

Pitt to discipline nine staff, three faculty not complying with vaccine mandate

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 13, 2022
Students who received a booster vaccine dose should update their vaccination status, according to a Thursday email from the CMRO.

Pitt adds 153 new COVID-19 cases since Feb. 8

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 10, 2022
A Pitt police vest.

Pitt police issue crime alert after robbery, assault

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 10, 2022
Gov. Tom Wolf delivers his budget address for the 2022-23 fiscal year to a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

Gov. Wolf proposes $7.7 million increase in Pitt funding

By Martha Layne and Rebecca Johnson
February 9, 2022
While cases on Pitt campuses are high, case severity remains largely mild or asymptomatic according to a CMRO email.

Pitt adds 291 new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 25

By Martha Layne, News Editor
February 3, 2022
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 438 new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 25

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 27, 2022
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher.

Gallagher talks Omicron, spring semester in TPN interview

By Martha Layne and Jon Moss
January 25, 2022
N_CMRO_File

Shelter-in-place to end as planned on Thursday

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 25, 2022
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden step off of Air Force One in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in September for the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Biden to visit Pittsburgh on Friday, talk infrastructure

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 24, 2022
Pitt announced Thursday that Jeffer Choudhry will serve as the University’s new chief investment officer.

Pitt names Jeffer Choudhry as new chief investment officer

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 20, 2022
A Pitt student wears a mask.

Pitt to provide N95 or equivalent masks starting Monday

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 20, 2022
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 487 new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 12

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 20, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union on campus.

Gas repairs underway after Bruce Hall, WPU evacuations

By Martha Layne and Jon Moss
January 20, 2022
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 414 new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 4

By Martha Layne, News Editor
January 13, 2022
Three students read a sign greeting Pitt’s largest incoming class ever this year — a total of 5,195 students.

Pitt welcomed the class of 2025 as its largest class ever

By Martha Layne and Natalie Frank
January 12, 2022
The CMRO recommends students avoid unmasked indoor gatherings Halloween weekend and says the Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center will offer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 as early as Nov. 4.

Pitt adds 100 new COVID-19 cases since Dec. 1

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
December 9, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 137 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 17

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
December 2, 2021
Pitt will implement a COVID-19 vaccine requirement after Thanksgiving break, on Dec. 6. COVID-19 cases remain low.

Pitt adds 69 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 10

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 18, 2021
Garage Door Saloon is a popular bar located in Oakland.

Garage Door Saloon owner, landlord in legal battle over repairs

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 16, 2021
The CMRO said the Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center will offer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 as early as Nov. 4.

Pitt adds 61 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 3

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 11, 2021
The Pitt CoVax Center is ready to administer COVID-19 booster shots to eligible individuals once the CDC releases guidance about boosters and vaccination for children ages 5-11.

Pitt adds 44 new cases since Oct. 27

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 4, 2021
There is a water main break in Chevron Hall, and the building will be temporarily closed.

Chevron Hall temporarily closed because of water main break

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 4, 2021
A Walnut Capital advertisement.

OBID announces support for controversial Walnut Capital plan

By Martha Layne and Millicent Watt
November 2, 2021
The Pitt CoVax Center is ready to administer COVID-19 booster shots to eligible individuals once the CDC releases guidance about boosters and vaccination for children ages 5-11.

Pitt adds 37 new COVID-19 cases since Oct. 20

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 28, 2021
Katz Graduate Business School Dean Arjang Assad (left) and Dean of the Nursing School Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob (right) recently announced their plans to retire.

Nursing, Business deans planning on retirement soon

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 24, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center — located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall — recently expanded its hours to daily operations, and will offer flu shots starting next Wednesday.

Pitt adds 42 new COVID-19 cases since Oct. 6

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 21, 2021
Researchers and professors from across all Pitt campuses have voted to form a faculty union, according to a copy of an election returns document obtained by The Pitt News.

Pitt faculty vote to form union by wide margin

By Rebecca Johnson, Martha Layne, Jon Moss, and Alexandra Ross
October 19, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 37 new COVID-19 cases since Oct. 6

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 14, 2021
ID scanners at building entrances are undergoing a system update but still operational. The system update began Wednesday at 5 p.m. and should finish Friday evening.

Pitt says ID scanners are working, despite system update

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 7, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 51 new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 29

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 7, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center — located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall — recently expanded its hours to daily operations, and will offer flu shots starting next Wednesday.

Pitt adds 46 new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 22

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 30, 2021
ARPA funding grants application deadline extended to Sunday

ARPA funding grants application deadline extended to Sunday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 30, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 79 new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 15

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 23, 2021
The American Rescue Plan will allow Pitt to distribute $31.9 million in federal funding to students.

Pitt to distribute $31.9 million in federal funds to more than 30,000 students

By Natalie Frank and Martha Layne
September 21, 2021
N_CMRO_File

Pitt adds 59 new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 8

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 16, 2021
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center — located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall — recently expanded its hours to daily operations, and will offer flu shots starting next Wednesday.

Pitt adds 78 new COVID-19 cases since Aug. 27

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 9, 2021
The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.

Pitt hires outside law firm to review fetal tissue research practices

By Rebecca Johnson and Martha Layne
September 9, 2021
Pitt officials said Thursday that 87% of undergraduate students on the Oakland campus have uploaded proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Pitt’s undergrad student vaccination rate up to 87% on Oakland campus

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 2, 2021
Garage Door Saloon forced to close after City condemns building

Garage Door Saloon forced to close after City condemns building

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
August 31, 2021
Pitt police issues crime alert after robbery

Pitt police issues crime alert after robbery

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
August 31, 2021
Pictured left to right, Millicent Watt, Natalie Frank and Martha Layne are the news editors for the 2021-22 academic year.

Meet the editors: News

By Natalie Frank, Martha Layne, and Millicent Watt
August 26, 2021
Towers residents without water, The Eatery closed after water main break

Towers residents without water, The Eatery closed after water main break

By Rebecca Johnson and Martha Layne
August 24, 2021
Pitt adds 7 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 7 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
April 27, 2021
Pitt adds 13 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday, announces Wednesday vaccine clinic

Pitt adds 13 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday, announces Wednesday vaccine clinic

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
April 20, 2021
Pitt adds 25 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 25 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
April 13, 2021
Pitt adds 50 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, urges students to get tested

Pitt adds 50 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, urges students to get tested

By Martha Layne and Jon Moss
April 9, 2021
Nicola Foote has been appointed as the new dean of Pitt’s University Honors College beginning July 1.

Nicola Foote named new Honors College dean

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
April 9, 2021
Pitt adds 48 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 48 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
April 6, 2021
Pitt adds 30 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 30 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 30, 2021
Pitt adds 8 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday, detects UK variant on campus

Pitt adds 8 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday, detects UK variant on campus

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 23, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher sent an email Thursday morning with information about Pitt's plans for the fall.

Pitt plans for fall semester to look ‘more like normal’

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 18, 2021
Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 16, 2021
‘Stop playing around’: Bonner, CMRO urge students to get COVID-19 tested after large weekend parties

‘Stop playing around’: Bonner, CMRO urge students to get COVID-19 tested after large weekend parties

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 16, 2021
Student Government Board’s elections and judicial committees each held hearings less than 24 hours before polls opened at 8 a.m. on March 2 after two complaints were filed against the Vision slate.

The 48 hours that changed an SGB election

By Ashton Crawley, Rebecca Johnson, Martha Layne, Jon Moss, Mary Rose O'Donnell, and Millicent Watt
March 10, 2021
Pitt adds 17 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 17 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 9, 2021
‘Very exciting, a little intimidating’: Ramanan looks to next year after chaotic Election Day

‘Very exciting, a little intimidating’: Ramanan looks to next year after chaotic Election Day

By Rebecca Johnson, Martha Layne, Jon Moss, Mary Rose O'Donnell, and Millicent Watt
March 5, 2021
Students voice frustrations, praises over Vision slate’s disqualification

Students voice frustrations, praises over Vision slate’s disqualification

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 3, 2021
Pitt adds 8 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 8 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
March 2, 2021
A shot glass received by a first-year resident in Sutherland Hall.

Vision slate disqualified from SGB elections after sleepless night of hearings

By Rebecca Johnson, Martha Layne, Jon Moss, and Mary Rose O'Donnell
March 2, 2021
Pitt’s Student Government Board, including President Eric Macadangdang, urged the Board of Trustees to immediately divest of fossil fuel investments in a Thursday statement.

SGB slams board report advising slow fossil fuel divestment

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 26, 2021
Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 23, 2021
Joe McCarthy, vice provost of undergraduate studies, is the new interim dean of the University Honors College.

Pitt names Joseph McCarthy interim dean of Honors College

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 17, 2021
Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 15 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 16, 2021
The University-wide shelter-in-place period ended as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Shelter in place ended Tuesday morning

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 16, 2021
Pitt adds 13 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 13 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 9, 2021
Pitt adds 11 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 11 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
February 2, 2021
Pitt held a vaccination clinic with the Allegheny Health Department Thursday to vaccinate around 800 healthcare workers, including Pitt students, in the 1A priority group.

Pete transformed into vaccination site to administer shots to around 800 health care personnel, students

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 28, 2021
Pitt adds 22 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 22 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 26, 2021
Pitt faculty, staff to have access to mail-in COVID-19 tests beginning Monday

Pitt faculty, staff to have access to mail-in COVID-19 tests beginning Monday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 21, 2021
Pitt adds 9 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 9 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 19, 2021
Bigelow Boulevard reopened on Dec. 24, marking the completion of the almost $24-million project that began in November 2019.

In case you missed it: News from winter break 2020

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 19, 2021
The University-wide shelter-in-place period ended as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Pitt releases late January, early February move-in groups

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
January 13, 2021
A water line break earlier today affected Bouquet Gardens and the surrounding area.

Water line break in South Oakland affects Pitt academic, housing buildings

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 19, 2020
The Global Hub is an open space on the first floor of Posvar Hall which provides students with a place to gather and study with a focus on the global perspective.

Pitt recognized for local, global engagement efforts

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 15, 2020
The Cathedral of Learning watches over an empty Pitt campus.

Pitt enacts shelter in place, moves to Elevated posture after ‘significant’ increase in COVID-19 cases

By Rebecca Johnson, Martha Layne, and Jon Moss
November 8, 2020
Pitt advised people to avoid Oakland Avenue due to a gas leak in Bouquet Gardens.

Bouquet Gardens and surrounding areas experience gas leak Thursday morning

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 5, 2020
Pitt adjunct professor Aaron Bernstine has served as representative for the state House 10th District for the past two terms and most recently served on the House Commerce, Insurance, Health and Game and Fisheries committees.

Pitt adjunct professor retains House seat

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
November 4, 2020
A Pitt Law adjunct professor announced his resignation Wednesday after using a racial slur.

Pitt Law adjunct professor resigns over racial slur

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 16, 2020
Pitt’s Mental Health Awareness Month officially started on Oct. 1.

Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on helping students through pandemic

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
October 7, 2020
Emily Greenwood, professor of classics and African American studies at Yale University, started off CAAPP’s Black Study Intensive week with her virtual talk “Overthrowing Deadly Metaphors” on Monday afternoon.

Some classics translations skirt conversations about race, Yale professor says

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
September 29, 2020
Joe Biden visited Pittsburgh on Monday afternoon and spoke in the City's Hazelwood neighborhood.

Joe Biden visits Pittsburgh in first campaign stop since DNC

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
August 31, 2020
The Pitt News will publish one print edition per week on Wednesdays, but will continue to break news and post online daily.

The Pitt News to switch to weekly print editions

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor
August 23, 2020
Jeff Ahearn | Senior Staff Photographer

All social, no distancing: Parties in Oakland continue amid ongoing pandemic

By Nathan Fitchett and Martha Layne
August 21, 2020
Load More Stories