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

Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer

Ashton Crawley is an Assistant News Editor at The Pitt News. A Pittsburgh native, she plans to graduate in April 2022 with degrees in History and Political Science and a minor in French. She joined the news staff as a staff writer in September 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 Ashton Crawley
Christopher Casamento, Pitt’s ex-emergency management director was indicted Wednesday afternoon. Casamento has been accused of stealing and selling 13,500 masks and other PPE from the University’s PPE supply for personal profit between Feb. 28 and March 22, 2020.

Former Pitt employee indicted, accused of stealing, selling N95 masks

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
March 29, 2021
Gene Ney runs Gene’s Place — a bar located on Louisa Place. Ney has only sold takeout cocktails, drafts and other specials for the past few months, but on April 4, he plans to open the bar again at a limited capacity.

Oakland bars, restaurants adapt to restrictions with increased takeout

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
March 23, 2021
CMU and Pitt launch center dedicated to combating extremist hate

CMU and Pitt launch center dedicated to combating extremist hate

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
March 17, 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
A panel met in the evening on Feb. 24 to discuss how the University has and should continue to improve the Black Pitt experience. Clyde Wilson Pickett, the vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion, introduced the annual Black History Month event, hosted in honor of Pitt’s very own K. Leroy Irvis.

Black Pitt alumni and students reflect on experiences in ‘Blue, Gold & Black’ panel

By Priya Ray and Ashton Crawley
March 8, 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 professor sues University

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
January 13, 2021
Pitt adds 38 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 38 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 24, 2020
Pitt adds 56 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 56 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 20, 2020
Pitt adds 54 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 54 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 17, 2020
Pitt is under investigation for possibly waging "a campaign of denunciation and cancellation" against Dr. Norman Wang, an associate professor of medicine, who authored a scientific article advocating for race-neutral admission.

Pitt under investigation by federal Department of Education

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
November 16, 2020
Pitt adds 47 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 47 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 13, 2020
Pitt held a vigil for Black Lives Lost to Police Brutality on Wednesday evening.

Black Action Society holds vigil for lives lost to police brutality

By Punya Bhasin and Ashton Crawley
November 13, 2020
Pitt adds 74 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 74 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 10, 2020
Pittsburghers celebrate Joe Biden's victory at the intersection of Forbes and Murray avenues in Squirrel Hill.

‘A road to recovery’: Pitt students reflect on Biden victory

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
November 7, 2020
Pitt adds 34 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 34 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
November 6, 2020
Six members from Serve the People Pittsburgh gathered at the corner of S. Bouquet Street and Forbes Avenue urging pedestrians to not vote and instead focus on “revolutionary solutions” Tuesday afternoon.

Protesters urge people to boycott election

By Millicent Watt and Ashton Crawley
November 4, 2020
The 2020 presidential election remains too close to call as of early Wednesday morning.

Presidential election hinges on too-early-to-call battleground states

By Ashton Crawley, Jon Moss, and Mary Rose O'Donnell
November 4, 2020
Pitt adds 18 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 18 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
November 3, 2020
Healthy Ride bikes on O'Hara Street.

Healthy Ride to offer free rides on Election Day

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
November 2, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee on Fossil Fuels held an open forum Friday morning to allow students, faculty and alumni to provide feedback about the University’s $4.3-billion endowment.

Community members urge divestment at forum

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
November 2, 2020
Pitt adds 12 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

Pitt adds 12 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 30, 2020
Election 2020: What’s on the ballot in Allegheny County?

Election 2020: What’s on the ballot in Allegheny County?

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 27, 2020
Pitt adds 21 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 21 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 27, 2020
Pitt adds 10 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

Pitt adds 10 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 23, 2020
Pitt adds 10 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 10 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 20, 2020
Pitt adds 5 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

Pitt adds 5 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 16, 2020
Pitt adds 10 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 10 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 13, 2020
Protesters gather at the Columbus statue, now covered, Monday evening.

‘Feeling of hope’ on Indigenous Peoples’ Day as City prepares Columbus statue removal

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 13, 2020
Pitt adds 7 COVID-19 cases since Monday

Pitt adds 7 COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 9, 2020
Pitt lifts Tower B COVID-19 shelter-in-place after 4 days

Pitt lifts Tower B COVID-19 shelter-in-place after 4 days

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
October 7, 2020
Pitt adds 6 COVID-19 cases since last Thursday

Pitt adds 6 COVID-19 cases since last Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
October 6, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt investigating ‘increase in cases’ in Tower B, adds 6 other new COVID-19 cases

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
October 2, 2020
Pitt added six new COVID-19 cases, composed entirely of students, between Friday and Monday.

Pitt adds 19 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 29, 2020
Students, professors reflect on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing and legacy

Students, professors reflect on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing and legacy

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 27, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt adds 14 COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 25, 2020
Pitt adds 13 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

Pitt adds 13 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 22, 2020
Pitt adds 18 COVID-19 cases since Monday

Pitt adds 18 COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 18, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt adds 22 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 15, 2020
Wei Li, assistant director of Pitt’s Center for Therapeutic Antibodies and co-lead author of the research, sifted through antibody components and found multiple therapeutic antibody candidates in record time.

Pitt scientists developing drug to prevent, treat COVID-19

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 15, 2020
Members of the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition were escorted out of February’s board of trustees meeting after singing an altered version of “We Shall Not be Moved” by the Song Swappers and stating their demands between verses.

Board committee investigating fossil fuel divestment announces membership

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 14, 2020

‘Until my last breath’: Dannielle Brown leads march across Pittsburgh college campuses

By Ashton Crawley and Rebecca Johnson
September 13, 2020

[Video] VIDEO: Dannielle Brown leads march across Pittsburgh college campuses

September 13, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt adds 35 COVID-19 cases since Monday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 11, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt adds 37 COVID-19 cases since Thursday

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
September 8, 2020
Pitt's outdoor COVID-19 testing site is located outside Posvar Hall.

Pitt adds 33 COVID-19 cases since Monday, strengthens mask requirements

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
September 4, 2020
Ashton Crawley, Rebecca Johnson and Martha Layne are the news editors at The Pitt News.

Meet the editors: News

By Ashton Crawley, Rebecca Johnson, and Martha Layne
August 20, 2020
Black Loud and Queer, a new club at Pitt, has decided to meet only online for this semester.

Student orgs prepare for fall with video tours, book clubs and more

By Ashton Crawley, Assistant News Editor
August 18, 2020
Pitt adds 14 new COVID-19 cases during first week of move-in

Pitt adds 14 new COVID-19 cases during first week of move-in

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
August 17, 2020
Panel members talked about xenophobia during a Diversity Forum event last Wednesday.

Diversity Forum panel discusses xenophobia

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
August 4, 2020
The Senate Research Committee met July 10 to discuss reopening efforts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘A giant game of telephone’: Student researchers concerned over gaps in communication

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
July 28, 2020
Eric Macadangdang is the president of the Student Government Board for the 2020-21 academic year.

Across the board: Meet this year’s student government

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
July 22, 2020
Litchfield Towers A, B and C are located on lower campus between Fifth and Forbes avenues and house approximately 1,800 students.

Students required to shelter in place prior to returning to in-person classes

By Mary Rose O'Donnell and Ashton Crawley
July 20, 2020
Every student and employee returning to campus this fall will receive a University-branded face covering, Pitt said in a Tuesday announcement.

Pitt to give at least one mask to students, employees; establishes testing office

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
July 14, 2020
The Senate Research Committee met July 10 to discuss reopening efforts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate committee discusses COVID-19, IP policies

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
July 11, 2020
The Cathedral of Learning watches over an empty Pitt campus.

Pitt COVID-19 cases triple in one week

By Ashton Crawley and Jon Moss
July 2, 2020
The University’s current dining contract with Sodexo will expire this summer with a new contract starting July 1. Planning for the contract transition to a new vendor or renewal with Sodexo would take place between March and July.

Pitt announces meal plan changes for fall

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
July 2, 2020
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act now extends to sexual orientation and gender identity.

‘Long time coming’: Supreme Court ruling strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ workers

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
June 23, 2020
The University Senate’s Educational Policies Committee met on Monday via Zoom.

Education Policies Committee talks fall planning, alumna petition

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
June 16, 2020
The complexities of restarting research labs was the main focus of Friday afternoon’s Senate Research Committee meeting.

Research labs to become operational in coming weeks

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 29, 2020
David Hickton, the founding director of Pitt’s Institute for Cyber Law, Policy and Security was selected to be staff director and senior counsel for the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

Pitt Cyber founder selected for House committee role

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 27, 2020
Pitt is considering providing all employees with one mask, and students with two, which must be worn when and where the University asks, officials said Wednesday.

Pitt officials considering mandatory masks for fall semester

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 21, 2020
Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania has allowed mail-in ballots for anyone who requests one.

3 ways to request a mail-in ballot for Pa. primary on June 2

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 19, 2020
Rob Rutenbar, the senior vice chancellor for research, leads Pitt’s Task Force on Research Restart.

Pitt task force planning research restart effort

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 14, 2020
Allegheny County to move to yellow phase, University preparing updated guidance

Allegheny County to move to yellow phase, University preparing updated guidance

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
May 8, 2020
The famed 60-year-old Oakland restaurant had an empty storefront on Saturday evening.

Pitt alumni look back on 60 years of The O

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
April 29, 2020
Pitt disability lawsuit settled by mediator

Pitt disability lawsuit settled by mediator

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
April 16, 2020
Groceria Merante and several other Oakland businesses have altered their hours and store practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oakland businesses adjust to social distancing order

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
April 6, 2020
Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies Joe McCarthy held a virtual town hall through Zoom for Pitt students to address questions regarding housing, grading and technology concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bonner, McCarthy address student concerns in virtual town hall

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
April 2, 2020
Many of us have been wearing nothing but sweatpants for two weeks.

April Fools Edition | Pitt student puts on “real” clothes for the first time in weeks

By Ashton Crawley, Senior Staff Writer
March 31, 2020
Emerson Ailidh Boggs, a second-year Ph.D. student in the infectious disease microbiology program, is the head moderator of the r/Coronavirus Reddit page.

Socially distant science: Pitt student strives for truth during pandemic

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
March 25, 2020
The Student Government Board currently supports enacting a $15 minimum wage for student workers.

Student leaders hopeful about raising future student wages

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
March 24, 2020
The Finnish and Iranian (pictured) Nationality Rooms are in the fundraising process and will be coming to the Cathedral within the next few years.

Pitt to revisit plans for Finnish, Iranian rooms

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
March 3, 2020
More than 7,000 donors contributed to the fourth annual Pitt Day of Giving.

Pitt Day of Giving raises $1.6 million, down 61% from last year

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
February 26, 2020
Chancellor Gallagher at last year’s Pitt Day of Giving.

Examining Pitt Day of Giving 2020 guidelines

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
February 25, 2020
Pitt student Catherine Tomes holds a sign encouraging voting as a part of the Dickinson campaign.

Pitt students hit the streets to get Dickinson on the ballot

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
February 23, 2020
Provost Ann Cudd and Assistant Provost Nancy Tannery stand next to a board that displayed the words “But is it art?” after having water poured on it.

Art here, there and everywhere: Pitt to catalog, purchase public art

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
January 30, 2020
Demonstrators gather around Abhishek Viswanathan, a second-year PhD student studying Information Science, to listen to his speech about the importance of protesting in places like Pittsburgh as well as India against fascism.

Pittsburgh Against Fascism in India holds protest at Frick fountain

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
January 26, 2020
December graduates look to the future

December graduates look to the future

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
December 8, 2019
The Panthers’ Service Pups club is about to get three new 8-week-old puppies to raise and train.

Service pup training club gets three eager new pupils

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
December 5, 2019
Pitt political science alumnus Bobby Wilson won the Nov. 5 general election for City Council District 1.

Pitt grad Bobby Wilson prepares for City Council position

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
November 21, 2019
Heather Tomko, a graduate student at Pitt’s School of Public Health, advocates for public health to put additional focus on accessibility.

Grad student Heather Tomko fights for accessibility in Pittsburgh

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
November 19, 2019
Nicole Walker Parks, African American Alumni Council President, welcomes guests at “Say It Loud” in January.

Black alumni celebrate 50-year anniversary of historic sit-in

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer
October 23, 2019
Junior nursing major Ashley Van Slyke helps with landscaping outside the Oakland Career Center as a part of Pitt's 2019 Make a Difference Day.

Students help make a difference across City

By Ashton Crawley, For The Pitt News
October 20, 2019
Jessica Benham, who recently got a master’s degree in bioethics and is working on her Ph.D. in communication at Pitt, is running for the District 36 seat in the state House of Representatives.

Grad student announces campaign for state House of Representatives

By Ashton Crawley, For The Pitt News
October 8, 2019
Pitt students line up to register to vote outside the William Pitt Union.

Voting groups work to register students before Oct. 7 deadline

By Ashton Crawley, For The Pitt News
September 29, 2019
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