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

Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor

Punya is an aspiring investigative reporter, and has worked at The Pitt News since her first semester freshman year. She has reported on Presidential rallies, protests, Covid-19 on campus and a number of stories aimed at holding the University accountable.

All content by Punya Bhasin
A portrait of Punya Bhasin in The Pitt News office.

Column | ‘Birder-in-Chief’ takes flight as she graduates from The Pitt News (and college)

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
December 6, 2023
Pitt enrollment, first-year applications increase for 2027 class

Pitt enrollment, first-year applications increase for 2027 class

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
December 3, 2023
The Cathedral of Learning.

Pitt startup incubator LifeX receives a $2 million grant

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
November 30, 2023
A depiction of email phishing.

Pitt IT implements new measures to prevent phishing attacks

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
November 5, 2023
Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives attend a session at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

PA House passes state appropriations bill, includes tuition freeze

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
November 1, 2023
President Joe Biden awards the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Rory Cooper in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday Oct. 24, in Washington.

President Biden awards the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Pitt professor

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
October 30, 2023
Protesters gather outside the Cathedral of Learning in response to sexual violence on campus on Oct. 7, 2022.

‘A Band-Aid on our concerns’: One year after the alleged assault in the Cathedral

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
October 4, 2023
The Big Idea Center on Forbes Avenue.

Pitt ranks No. 16 in Innovation and Patents in the U.S

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
September 27, 2023
Police stand guard outside of the O’Hara Student Center as protests rage during the controversial Michael Knowles debate on April 18th, 2023.

Pitt no longer requiring College Republicans to pay for security fees following Knowles event

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
September 6, 2023
(Left) Punya Bhasin, Ryleigh Lord and Donata Massimiani.

Meet the editors: News

By Ryleigh Lord, Punya Bhasin, and Donata Massimiani
August 29, 2023
Pitt students pose for a photo wearing white dresses and holding candles.

‘Greek Brain’: Students voice concerns over sorority standards board proceedings involving discrimination, bullying

By Punya Bhasin and James Paul
May 22, 2023
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher speaks at a press conference following the appointment of Joan Gabel as the University’s next chancellor.

Chancellor Gallagher weighs in on the year of protests, gives advice for the future

By Punya Bhasin, Contributing Editor
May 17, 2023
Michael Knowles speaks in the O’Hara Student Center on Tuesday night.

Michael Knowles, Brad Polumbo debate transgender issues, government regulation at Pitt

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 19, 2023

Video: Protests of Michael Knowles, Brad Polumbo debate

By Punya Bhasin, Spencer Levering, and Donata Massimiani
April 19, 2023
The Cathedral of Learning and Litchfield Towers.

Free speech experts weigh in on University’s decision to allow ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 18, 2023
Protestors chant and hold signs in front of the Cathedral of Learning Friday afternoon.

‘Failed us’: Students protest Pitt’s delay in sending emergency alerts during hoax active shooter threat

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 14, 2023
Brad Polumbo speaking with attendees at Revolution 2022 hosted by Young Americans for Liberty at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

New participant found to debate Michael Knowles at Pitt, debate topic changed

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 14, 2023
Eugene DePasquale, an adjunct law professor at Pitt, poses for a picture in the William Pitt Union.

Eugene DePasquale plans to be a ‘fighter’ as he gets closer to launching his campaign for Pennsylvania attorney general

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 13, 2023
A police officer walks outside of Hillman Library after evacuating students from the building.

‘I have no idea what’s going on’: Pitt students confused, scared during hoax active shooter incident amid delayed ENS alerts

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 11, 2023
Police exit Hillman Library Monday night after evacuating students from the building.

Pitt reviewing Emergency Notification System after ‘delayed and flawed’ response Monday night

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 11, 2023
Chris Deluzio: From catcher to congressman

Chris Deluzio: From catcher to congressman

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
April 10, 2023
The Parkvale Building on Meyran Avenue, which houses the English Language Institute.

English Language Institute remains open for another year, though its future is ‘unknown’

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 29, 2023
A protestor holds up a transgender pride flag at a rally protesting Riley Gaines’ appearance at the O’Hara Ballroom Monday evening.

‘Slap in the face’: Protests continue against ‘anti-trans’ speakers amid Riley Gaines event

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 28, 2023
A protester speaks into a megaphone at a protest against the University for allowing Cabot Phillips and other "anti-trans" speakers to hold events on campus.

‘Not going anywhere’: Pitt students protest ‘anti-trans’ event with Cabot Phillips

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 25, 2023
Josh Shapiro speaks with Pitt students in Nordy’s Place on Oct. 27, 2022.

Shapiro proposes 7.1% increases in funding for Pitt

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 21, 2023
The Transgender Pride Flag flies on the Foreign Office building in London on Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20, 2017.

‘Putting students in danger’: Transgender students at Pitt share thoughts on upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 14, 2023
The 2021 Pittsburgh Pride Parade in Downtown.

Student petition calls for the cancellation of upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 13, 2023
Provost Ann Cudd, pictured at a Student Government Board meeting on Oct. 24, 2018.

Ann Cudd named finalist for president at Portland State University, touts diversity initiatives in interest letter

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
March 1, 2023
The outside of Panther Pit Sports Bar, located on 226 Meyran Avenue.

Panther Pit forced to close after receiving seven health code violations

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
February 27, 2023
The Barco Law Building.

Pitt’s School of Law will no longer participate in U.S. News & World Report ranking

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
February 12, 2023
The Parkvale Building on Meyran Avenue, which houses the English Language Institute.

Exclusive | Students write letter to Provost Cudd, Dean Blee urging Pitt to keep English Language Institute open

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
January 31, 2023
Roundup of Black History Month events

Roundup of Black History Month events

By Punya Bhasin and Ryleigh Lord
January 31, 2023
Protesters speak into a microphone during the Tyre Nichols protest on Sunday.

‘We are not satisfied’: Pitt students protest police brutality, demand justice for Tyre Nichols

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
January 30, 2023
A drink from Uzima on display.

De-stress with fresh-pressed juice at Uzima juicery

By Punya Bhasin and Khushi Rai
January 25, 2023
Student Government Board at its first meeting of the semester at Nordy’s Place on Sept. 6.

SGB allocated $511K during fall semester to clubs, organizations

By Punya Bhasin and Katie Cassidy
January 24, 2023
A sign outside of Hillman Library advertising the new entrance to the first floor.

Hillman opens first and second floors, closes ground floor for renovations

By Punya Bhasin and Allison Radziwon
January 11, 2023
Student Government Board at its weekly meeting on Nov. 15.

SGB board member resigns ahead of spring semester

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
January 9, 2023
Whoville: A Grinch-Themed Pop-up Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn on Forbes on Saturday.

Whoville pop-up bar brings ‘The Grinch’ to Oakland

By Punya Bhasin, Contributing Editor
December 6, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning from Schenley Plaza.

Two Pitt students charged with abuse of corpse following alleged incident during anatomy lab class

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
December 2, 2022
The tree in the Norwegian nationality room is decorated with traditional items like the country’s flag as well as mushrooms, gnomes and treat baskets.

Nationality Rooms decorate for the holidays in preparation for open house

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
November 28, 2022
A concept rendering of the planned Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center.

Pitt plans to begin construction on $244 million Victory Heights project next year

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
November 14, 2022
Brian Kennedy, a candidate campaign volunteer, wears his "I voted" sticker beside his American flag pin as he greets voters outside a polling location on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Evans City, Pa.

Fetterman, Shapiro and other Democrats win local midterm elections

By Punya Bhasin, Rebecca Johnson, and Donata Massimiani
November 9, 2022
Bernie Sanders speaks to a crowd gathered in Schenley Plaza Sunday afternoon.

Bernie Sanders talks free college, women’s rights at Sunday rally on Pitt’s campus

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
November 7, 2022
Former president Barack Obama waves to the crowd after speaking at a rally for Democratic senate candidate John Fetterman in Schenley Plaza Saturday afternoon.

Fetterman, Obama criticize Republican rhetoric and urge Pittsburghers to vote at rally on Pitt’s campus

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
November 5, 2022
The inside of The Assembly on Centre Avenue.

Pitt receives LEED Gold certification at The Assembly building

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
November 2, 2022
Pitt faculty protest on the steps of Posvar Hall for a fair contract on Thursday afternoon.

Faculty union protests outside bargaining room, talks job security and fair contracts

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
October 27, 2022
A crowd stands in solidarity with the people of Iran outside of the Cathedral of Learning on Oct. 24.

‘Be our voice’: Students protest the Iranian regime, ask for support from the Pitt community

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
October 24, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks at the Fern Hollow Bridge on Thursday.

‘I’m coming back’: Biden touts infrastructure as he makes plans to revisit Pittsburgh

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
October 21, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning from Schenley Plaza.

PAAR to host extra drop-in hours this week in response to series of reported sexual assaults on campus

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
October 11, 2022
Members of the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition protest outside of the Chancellor’s office Friday afternoon.

Tensions escalate between Fossil Free Pitt, University amid month of student protest

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
October 11, 2022
Pitt’s wolves of Wall Street: Students invest in stocks and crypto

Pitt’s wolves of Wall Street: Students invest in stocks and crypto

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
September 28, 2022
Julianna Paul holds a pile of her knitting and crochet projects.

Knittsburgh: Pitt’s close-knit community

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
September 14, 2022
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Minnesota.

Raising Cane’s proposes Oakland location

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
September 7, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks at West Mifflin Monday afternoon for the Labor Day holiday.

President Biden touts the strength of unions, labor at Labor Day event in West Mifflin

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
September 6, 2022
Students moving into Litchfield Towers, the largest cluster of dorms on Pitt's main campus, ahead of the new academic year during August 2022.

Medical emergencies, mac-and-cheese mishaps and elevator rescues: Pitt dorms draw city services, but should the University help fund them?

By Punya Bhasin, Alexandra Ross, Emma Folts, and Charlie Wolfson
August 31, 2022
Punya Bhasin, Colm Slevin and Allison Radziwon, news editors.

Meet the editors: News

By Punya Bhasin, Colm Slevin, and Allison Radziwon
August 30, 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 in February.

In-state Pitt students to receive additional tuition relief

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
August 28, 2022
Pitt updates COVID-19 guidelines, masks now optional on Oakland campus

Pitt updates COVID-19 guidelines, masks now optional on Oakland campus

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
August 25, 2022
Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano speaks at Turning Point Action's "Unite and Win" rally Downtown on Friday evening.

Doug Mastriano campaigns for governor with support from Florida Gov. DeSantis

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor
August 19, 2022
Playwright August Wilson was born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

University Library System receives $1 million grant to fund the August Wilson Archive

By Punya Bhasin, Culture Editor
August 18, 2022
Sidney Flanigan as Autumn in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always.”

5 films about the importance of abortion rights during a post Roe v. Wade world

By Punya Bhasin, Culture Editor
July 12, 2022
Starbucks at Amos Hall on Fifth Avenue.

Amos Hall Starbucks workers reflect on the union victory

By Punya Bhasin, Contributing Editor
May 18, 2022
Pitt graduates after their 2021 graduation at Heinz Field.

Seniors talk graduation outfits, letting their individuality shine

By Punya Bhasin, Contributing Editor
April 21, 2022
The outside of the Amos Starbucks.

‘Put their money where their mouth is’: Oakland Starbucks workers fight to unionize

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
April 19, 2022
DongJo Kim: Food visionary

DongJo Kim: Food visionary

By Punya Bhasin
April 18, 2022
Hannah Jones, left, Garrett Sisk and Wilson Biggs of the Pitt Birding Club birdwatch at Frick Park on Sunday morning.

Through the binoculars: Pitt ‘birders’ find friends, passions and fun

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
April 5, 2022
Starbucks at Amos Hall.

Starbucks workers at Amos Hall petition to unionize

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
March 4, 2022
More than 20 students and faculty protested Friday afternoon at the Cathedral Lawn, in a show of solidarity for the recently-invaded Ukraine.

Pitt’s Russia, Ukraine clubs come together to protest Russian invasion

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 25, 2022
A KN95 mask.

Ex-Pitt official admits to to stealing more than 13,000 masks from the University

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 11, 2022
Mayor Ed Gainey speaks during Joe Biden’s visit to Mill 19 in Pittsburgh on Jan. 28.

Mayor Gainey again delays Oakland Crossings vote as review continues

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 9, 2022
People view artwork on display as part of the Black Lives in Focus exhibition along the Omicron Delta Kappa walkway of the Cathedral lawn in September.

Pitt makes Juneteenth an official holiday

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 8, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union.

Pitt students petition for hybrid classes

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 2, 2022
A Pitt police vest.

University Counseling Center, Pitt police collaborate to ‘de-escalate’ crisis calls

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
February 2, 2022
President Joe Biden visited Pittsburgh on Friday to tout his administration’s investment in infrastructure

‘Make it in America’: Biden discusses infrastructure after Frick Park bridge collapse

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
January 29, 2022
OPDC at its Tuesday night meeting over Zoom to discuss developer Walnut Capital’s Oakland Crossings proposal.

Oakland residents, Mayor Gainey talk Oakland Crossings at public meeting

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
January 26, 2022
DeSoto Street in Oakland.

Family of student killed by Port Authority bus will receive $500k settlement

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
January 21, 2022
Pitt to launch new public health undergraduate degree

Pitt to launch new public health undergraduate degree

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
January 18, 2022
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt updates isolation, quarantine protocols

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
January 11, 2022
The Oakland Planning and Development Corp. held a public development activities meeting Monday night to discuss Walnut Capital’s Oakland Crossings proposal, which would rezone land in South and Central Oakland.

‘Does not help our neighborhood’: OPDC discusses Walnut Capital proposal

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
December 1, 2021
Members of Phi Sigma Rho at the annual Light the Night hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society outside of Heinz Field on Oct. 14.

Sorority changes bylaws to welcome non-binary, transgender students

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
December 1, 2021
Nicola Foote, the new Honors College dean, outside of the Cathedral of Learning.

New Honors College dean discusses first months at Pitt

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
November 19, 2021
The logo of Project Healing Sideways, a student group that supports survivors of intimate partner violence.

‘Keeping each other safe’: Pitt raises awareness for domestic violence month

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
October 13, 2021
Ben Crump, a civil rights lawyer, spoke at a Pitt Program Council event Tuesday night at the William Pitt Union.

‘Better world for our children’: Crump discusses injustice in America

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
October 6, 2021
Students could receive free flu shots at the HealthyU fair located at the William Pitt Union on Wednesday.

Health in the air as the HealthyU fair returns to campus

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
October 1, 2021
Students, pictured, at a late January vaccination clinic hosted by Pitt and the Allegheny County Health Department. More than 400 faculty members sent an open letter over the summer to Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in support of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the safety of the University community.

‘Trust us’: Pitt professors plead in July open letter to chancellor for COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
September 29, 2021
Uncertainty surrounding the University’s operating posture lingers as the fall semester approaches, but students and staff are optimistic about in-person opportunities.

‘Last year it was tough’: Pitt community prepares for updated COVID-19 rules

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
August 18, 2021
Pitt students are looking forward to the in-person activities and opportunities that will be available this upcoming year.

Health restrictions, spirits lift as Pitt updates COVID-19 guidelines

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
June 25, 2021
The Oakland Planning and Development Corp. held a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss neighborhood developments, including a proposal to demolish and refurbish the current Croatian Fraternal Union located on 3441 Forbes Avenue.

OPDC discusses proposed Croatian Fraternal Union building demolition

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
June 23, 2021
Melissa McGivney, the associate dean for community partnerships at the School of Pharmacy, says making vaccines accessible and getting everyone vaccinated is the key to a healthier community.

‘A way to give back to our community’: Pitt vaccine clinics continues to distribute shots

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
June 2, 2021
Kamakashi Sharma — a senior neuroscience major and president of Pitt Active Minds, a peer-based mental health advocacy organization — said it’s more effective to host Mental Health Awareness Month in October.

‘You’re not left behind just because you’ve left campus’: Pitt still offering mental health resources during summer recess

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
May 26, 2021
The film “CHASING COVID” follows the work of Dr. Paul Duprex and his team in Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research, where they have been working to uncover new information about COVID-19.

‘Filming history’: Documentary features Pitt’s efforts in COVID-19 vaccine research

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
Pitt enacted shelter-in-place guidelines on March 31 in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases among students, which included the closure of study spaces in residence halls and lounges and decreased library operating hours.

Students say shelter-in-place guidelines are ‘inconsistent,’ protest closed study spaces in residence halls

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
April 19, 2021
Pitt Hillel distributed meals to University students on Friday during Passover as part of Shabbat, while following shelter-in-place/social distancing guidelines.

Shelter-in-place guidelines altered to include religious services after complaints

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
April 14, 2021
The Office of Equity and Inclusive Excellences hosted Alicia Garza, the co-creator of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement and the Black Lives Matter Global Network. During the event, Alicia Garza touched upon her experiences founding the movement, her current work maintaining diversity and equal access and her book “The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart.”

‘Freedom dreams’: Alicia Garza discusses Black Lives Matter, new book

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
April 2, 2021
Amy Degurian is a lecturer in the School of Social Work.

Layers of loss: The way we grieve during a pandemic

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
March 31, 2021
Diwaker Davar, M.D., medical oncologist and member of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and assistant professor of medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Fecal matter fights cancer: UPMC researchers look to improve immunotherapy techniques

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
March 15, 2021
Catherine Pressimone, a rising third-year medical student and cofounder of Pitt Influenzers, said she founded the club based on three areas she felt needed more attention and awareness from the people, with one of their primary initiatives being to pass legislation that allows dentists to administer COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.

Pitt ‘Influenzers’ push for legislation to allow dentists to administer vaccines

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
March 5, 2021
Chandrima Saha and a few pharmacy school peers administered COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6.

Pharmacy students deliver COVID-19 vaccines to Homewood, Hill District residents

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
February 24, 2021
Members of the School of Pharmacy’s class of 2024 took their oath of professionalism at their white coat ceremony on Jan. 29, with students and family attending through Zoom.

‘A new era’: Class of 2024 pharmacy students address racism, the coronavirus pandemic in new pledge

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
February 15, 2021
Second-year pharmacy student Jake Murawski administered his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in December at UPMC Presbyterian, making him the first pharmacy intern in Pennsylvania to administer a COVID-19 vaccine.

‘Surreal’: Student pharmacists administer COVID-19 vaccines

By Punya Bhasin, Staff Writer
February 3, 2021
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