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

Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

Rebecca Johnson is the editor-in-chief of The Pitt News. A Western Pennsylvania native, she plans to graduate in April 2023 with degrees in political science and economics and a certificate in global studies. She’s worked as a news staff writer, news editor, layout editor and managing editor during her four years at the paper.

You can contact her at [email protected].

All content by Rebecca Johnson
Rebecca Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Pitt News.

Column | Rory Gilmore helped me discover journalism at Pitt

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2023
A protest outside O'Hara Student Center ahead of the Michael Knowles debate.

Police say ‘public safety emergency’ at O’Hara resolved after protest of Michael Knowles event

By Alexandra Ross and Rebecca Johnson
April 18, 2023

No evidence of an active shooter after Hillman Library evacuated

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
April 10, 2023
Joan Gabel walking through Pitt's campus on Monday after being named the University's next chancellor.

Pitt’s chancellor-elect will receive a $950K salary

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2023
Campus reopens as Pitt police report ‘critical incident’ at Central Catholic is 'unfounded'

Campus reopens as Pitt police report ‘critical incident’ at Central Catholic is ‘unfounded’

By Alexandra Ross and Rebecca Johnson
March 29, 2023
Cabot Phillips speaking at the 2016 Young Americans for Liberty National Convention at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Conservative commentator Cabot Phillips criticizes ‘liberal privilege’ on college campuses at Turning Point event

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2023
The Pitt News box outside the Cathedral of Learning.

The Pitt News announces ‘Best Of’ survey winners

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2023
Katz Graduate School of Business.

Report finds Pitt business professor engaged in ‘non-consensual sexual contact’ at previous Michigan State job

By Rebecca Johnson and Alexandra Ross
March 3, 2023
Pitt police issue crime alert after alleged sexual assault in Bridge on Forbes

Pitt police issue crime alert after alleged sexual assault in Bridge on Forbes

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2023
The Pitt News staff wins Student Keystone Press Awards

The Pitt News staff wins Student Keystone Press Awards

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2023
Screenshot of The Pitt News API Inclusion Index project.

Letter from the editor | The Pitt News releases newsroom diversity, equity and inclusion plans

By Rebecca Johnson and Betul Tuncer
January 31, 2023
Students write notes of support during a protest against sexual violence outside the Cathedral of Learning in October.

‘We need the support of the community’: Greek life leaders work to prevent sexual misconduct after former IFC president resigns

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 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
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny.

Q&A: Dan Frankel talks abortion, Pitt’s in-state tuition discount ahead of Tuesday’s midterms

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
November 8, 2022
Students gather during a protest against sexual violence in the Cathedral of Learning on Oct. 7.

Interfraternity Council board member speaks out on ‘absurd,’ ‘vile’ statement IFC posted last week on reported sexual assault in the Cathedral of Learning

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2022
Pitt police issue crime alert after alleged sexual assault

Pitt police issue crime alert after alleged sexual assault

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2022
Betul Tuncer, managing editor and Rebecca Johnson, editor-in-chief.

Meet the editors: The Chiefs

By Rebecca Johnson and Betul Tuncer
August 29, 2022
Letter from the editor | Welcome to Oakland! Here’s what to expect

Letter from the editor | Welcome to Oakland! Here’s what to expect

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2022
Tyler Bickford, a professor in the English department, drops one of the first union cards at a kickoff event held by Pitt faculty union organizers in the William Pitt Union Ballroom in January 2018.

Pitt faculty union, administration reach deal on COVID-19 protocols

By Rebecca Johnson and Allison Radziwon
August 13, 2022

Letter from the editor | Silhouettes

By Rebecca Johnson, Managing Editor
April 6, 2022
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union.

Floyd demotion, Temmallo resignation shake SGB as elections near

By Rebecca Johnson, Jon Moss, and Betul Tuncer
February 28, 2022
The suspect in Thursday’s robbery on Fifth Avenue in Oakland in a multi-colored windbreaker jacket and a dark colored hat.

Man arrested, detained after overnight assault in Oakland

By Rebecca Johnson, Managing 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
Pitt’s CoVax Vaccination Center located at the bottom of Nordenberg Hall.

Pitt adds 68 new COVID-19 cases since Dec. 8, ‘monitoring’ omicron

By Rebecca Johnson, Managing Editor
December 16, 2021
A Pitt student sits on another student's shoulders in Oakland in a crowd celebrating Pitt's ACC Championship win against Wake Forest University earlier in the night.

Hundreds of Pitt students take to Oakland streets to celebrate football victory

By Rebecca Johnson and Millicent Watt
December 5, 2021
A male individual who, according to Pitt police, approached a Pitt student near campus and “persisted” in attempting to “drape” a blanket around the student’s shoulders.

Pitt police investigating blanket incident near campus

By Rebecca Johnson, Jon Moss, and Millicent Watt
November 10, 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
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
Jon Moss (left) is the editor-in-chief and Rebecca Johnson (right) is the managing editor of The Pitt News for the 2021-22 academic year.

Meet the editors: The Chiefs

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
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
The Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union on campus.

Pitt adds remote option for first two weeks of fall classes, in ‘unexpected departure’ from intended plans

By Natalie Frank, Rebecca Johnson, and Jon Moss
August 20, 2021
The Pitt News compiled a step-by-step guide on how to submit your COVID-19 vaccination record to the University.

Explainer: How to submit your vaccine card to Pitt

By Rebecca Johnson, Managing Editor
August 19, 2021
The Black Action Society: Demanding Change, Then and Now

The Black Action Society: Demanding Change, Then and Now

By Natalie Frank, Rebecca Johnson, Sinead McDevitt, and Jon Moss
May 25, 2021
Judge dismisses tuition refund case from last spring

Judge dismisses tuition refund case from last spring

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
May 3, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher at a Senate Council meeting.

Gallagher talks potential COVID-19 vaccine requirement, fall semester planning and more in TPN interview

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
May 3, 2021
Pitt adds 7 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 7 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
May 1, 2021
Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, opens new Nordenberg Hall vaccine clinic

Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, opens new Nordenberg Hall vaccine clinic

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 23, 2021
Melissa McGivney, the associate dean for community partnerships at the School of Pharmacy, discussed the University’s vaccination efforts at Thursday afternoon’s Senate Council meeting hosted via Zoom. Other officials addressed Pitt’s COVID-19 response and graduation at the meeting.

‘We did well’: Pitt officials discuss COVID-19 response, vaccination efforts

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 22, 2021
The Cathedral of Learning alongside the Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain.

Pitt petitions court to dismiss tuition refund case from last spring

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 22, 2021
A crowd of about 150 people gathered Tuesday evening at Freedom Corner after a jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd.

Pittsburghers mourn, protest after guilty verdict in Floyd murder case

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
April 21, 2021
Maura Scrabis is the news desk’s only graduating senior this year. She'll work full-time as a marketing coordinator for Langan Engineering & Environmental Services starting in mid-May.

News desk says ‘so long’ to Maura Scrabis

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 21, 2021
A Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board official ruled Friday on the size of a potential bargaining unit for Pitt faculty, marking a win for union organizers and moving the campaign further toward an election.

PLRB rules on size of potential Pitt faculty union

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
April 19, 2021
Pitt adds 31 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, offers new testing times

Pitt adds 31 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, offers new testing times

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 16, 2021
Ahead of next month’s primary election, Pittsburgh’s four mayoral candidates met Thursday evening to share their thoughts on current issues impacting the City and policy proposals moving forward — such as racial equity, taxing UPMC, policing and more.

Pittsburgh mayoral candidates discuss platforms, City issues

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 9, 2021
Pitt adds 54 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 54 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
April 2, 2021
Pitt adds 50 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, shelter in place scheduled for end of semester

Pitt adds 50 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday, shelter in place scheduled for end of semester

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 26, 2021
After Pitt experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases after St. Patrick’s Day parties, Dr. John Williams, the head of the COVID-19 Medical Response Office, presented a more optimistic picture of Pitt’s pandemic outlook Thursday afternoon.

Pitt officials address COVID-19 case spike, mitigation rules

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 26, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said the University’s fall plans are dependent on continued availability of the vaccine across the country. 

Pitt administers more than 10k vaccines with community partners

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 26, 2021
Around 300 people gathered Saturday afternoon at the corner of Forbes and Oakland avenues.

Pittsburghers denounce anti-Asian violence at Oakland rally

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 20, 2021
Pitt adds 38 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 38 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
March 19, 2021
Student Government Board President-elect Harshitha Ramanan (center) announced last weekend that Tyler Viljaste (left) and Joe Landsittel (right) will both serve as co-chiefs of staff next year. Viljaste and Landsittel ran for president in this year’s SGB election.

‘Giving them both a rose’: Incoming SGB president selects co-chiefs of staff in Bachelor-esque fashion

By Rebecca Johnson and Millicent Watt
March 16, 2021
Pitt adds 22 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 22 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 12, 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 14 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 14 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 5, 2021
TPN File photo

Pitt to shift to Guarded risk posture next Thursday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 5, 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
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
PLRB dismisses grad union complaints, upholds 2019 vote against unionization

PLRB dismisses grad union complaints, upholds 2019 vote against unionization

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
March 1, 2021
Pitt adds 11 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 11 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 26, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher spoke about several issues facing the University at Friday's Board of Trustees meeting.

Gallagher reflects on one year of COVID-19

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
February 26, 2021
The compensation committee of the Board of Trustees met Friday afternoon to approve the salary for the new senior vice chancellor for business and operations.

Board approves pandemic appreciation resolution, DeJong as business & operations chief

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
February 26, 2021
Dawne Hickton, the chair of the Board’s Ad-hoc Committee on Fossil Fuels, said the committee found that fossil fuel investments will pose a “higher risk” in the future.

Board votes to increase endowment transparency, continue gradual fossil fuel divestment

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
February 26, 2021
Pitt’s Bradford campus, the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Center on Race and Social Problems and the Black Action Society sponsored a panel Thursday afternoon called “The Black Impact: Black Faculty and Administrators’ Influence on Black Student Success.” Fellow members of the Black Pitt community, including faculty, students and administrators attended.

‘The same fire’: Black students, faculty discuss diversity, activism on campus

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 26, 2021
Pitt Day of Giving raises more than $2.49 million, up 51% from last year as of early Wednesday

Pitt Day of Giving raises more than $2.49 million, up 51% from last year as of early Wednesday

By Mische Holland, Rebecca Johnson, and Suln Yun
February 24, 2021
Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 19, 2021
Members of the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition staged a February sit-in in the Cathedral of Learning, calling for fossil fuel divestment.

Board fossil fuels committee delivers report

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
February 19, 2021
Dr. John Williams, Pitt’s COVID-19 chief, said the University is “off to a great start” this semester in handling the pandemic.

‘Cautiously optimistic’: Pitt officials address the state of COVID-19 on campus

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 19, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher discussed University initiatives at Wednesday afternoon's Senate Council meeting.

Pitt to distribute more than $15 million to students from federal COVID-19 aid

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 19, 2021
Melissa McGivney, the associate dean for community partnerships at the School of Pharmacy, discussed Pitt’s vaccination efforts at Wednesday afternoon’s Senate Council meeting hosted via Zoom. Other officials addressed COVID-19 on campus and Pitt’s uncertain budget outlook at the meeting.

Pitt approved as vaccine provider, unsure when vaccine supply will arrive

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 19, 2021
The Fossil Free Pitt Coalition unveiled a billboard Monday morning that it purchased near the intersection of Boulevard of the Allies and Bates Street in South Oakland.

‘The world is watching’: Fossil Free Pitt unveils billboard in South Oakland

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 15, 2021
Pitt adds 8 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 8 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 12, 2021
Pitt is splitting senior administrator Kenyon Bonner’s role as vice provost and dean of students into two separate jobs.

Bonner named to new Student Affairs leadership position

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
February 12, 2021
Student Government Board and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion hosted a panel Thursday evening titled “What the F*ck? Unfiltered Conversations About Diversity and Inclusion Between Students, Staff and Administration.”

Panel discusses white privilege, white supremacy at Pitt

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 12, 2021
Pitt’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid announced Wednesday afternoon that it extended its ACT and SAT test-optional policy through fall 2023 for first-year applicants in all programs, majors, schools and colleges.

Pitt goes test-optional through fall 2023

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 12, 2021
The University-wide shelter-in-place period ended as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

SGB to revise constitution, add diversity statement

By Ashton Crawley and Rebecca Johnson
February 9, 2021
Pitt adds 16 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 16 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 5, 2021
SGB talked Black History Month and Pitt’s COVID-19 plans for the semester at Tuesday night’s meeting.

SGB talks dining improvements, COVID-19 protocols

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 3, 2021
Dunkin’ opened its second Oakland location on Centre Avenue Monday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dunkin’ opens store in North Oakland

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
February 1, 2021
Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 15 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
January 29, 2021
Pitt adds 26 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 26 COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
January 22, 2021
Dr. John Williams, the head of the COVID-19 Medical Response Office, clarified details about Pitt’s vaccination effort, which could provide shots to up to 800 people, at Thursday afternoon’s Senate Council meeting.

Students in ‘clinical-facing positions’ to receive vaccines late next week

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
January 21, 2021
Barbara Como, a senior anthropology major, was struck by a Port Authority bus turning from Fifth Avenue onto DeSoto Street on Jan. 18.

Port Authority bus driver pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in student’s death

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
January 11, 2021
The University-wide shelter-in-place period ended as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Pitt says students should not travel to campus until further notice

By Rebecca Johnson and Jon Moss
January 8, 2021
TPN File photo

Gallagher says Pitt ‘best in class of major universities’ in COVID-19 performance, looks to spring semester

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
December 10, 2020
Pitt reviewing state’s new COVID-19 mitigation orders

Pitt reviewing state’s new COVID-19 mitigation orders

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
December 10, 2020
The University-wide shelter-in-place period ended as of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. 

Pitt will release spring travel guidance in early January

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
December 10, 2020
Pitt implements ‘compromise’ of two grading policy changes amid pandemic

Pitt implements ‘compromise’ of two grading policy changes amid pandemic

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 25, 2020
Pitt to offer students at-home COVID-19 tests

Pitt to offer students at-home COVID-19 tests

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 13, 2020
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher discussed the University’s recent shift to the Elevated risk posture and the uptick of coronavirus cases on campus at Thursday afternoon’s Senate Council meeting.

Gallagher responds to increase in COVID-19 cases on campus

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 13, 2020
Provost Ann Cudd and seven other provosts at Pennsylvania universities signed a document last Tuesday saying the new visa rules proposed by the Department of Homeland Security rules are “unnecessary” and “harmful.”

Pitt submits document opposing proposed DHS visa rules

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 11, 2020
Geovette Washington currently serves as senior vice chancellor and chief legal officer.

Pitt chief legal officer to lead Biden-Harris agency review team

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 11, 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
A crowd marches down East Carson Street on Saturday afternoon.

Pittsburghers take to streets to celebrate Biden victory

By Rebecca Johnson, Jon Moss, and Mary Rose O'Donnell
November 7, 2020
Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, held a drive-in rally and concert featuring pop star Lady Gaga outside Heinz Field Monday night — their final event before the election.

Joe Biden elected 46th president in historic election

By Rebecca Johnson, Mary Rose O'Donnell, and Jon Moss
November 7, 2020
Incumbent Mike Doyle (D) easily overcame challenger Luke Negron (R) in the 18th Congressional District.

Many local races still too early to call

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 4, 2020
Jill Biden speaks at a Monday afternoon event in the North Hills.

Jill Biden emphasizes power of women voters at North Hills rally

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 3, 2020
The Bidens at the Heinz Field rally on Monday evening.

Biden makes closing pitch to voters at North Side rally

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
November 3, 2020
Pete Buttigieg in Schenley Plaza on Saturday morning.

Buttigieg urges students to vote, campaign for Biden

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
October 31, 2020
The Cathedral of Learning watches over an empty Pitt campus.

Students advised to shelter in place for 10 days before Thanksgiving break, can still attend in-person classes

By Rebecca Johnson, News Editor
October 26, 2020
Pitt’s African American Alumni Council and the University administration held a town hall Thursday night via Zoom.

‘They wanted to be seen’: African American Alumni Council discusses BAS demands, racial justice efforts

By Punya Bhasin and Rebecca Johnson
October 23, 2020
Load More Stories