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

Natalie Frank, News Editor

Natalie Frank is the News Editor at The Pitt News. An Ohio native, she plans to graduate in April 2023 with degrees in Urban Studies and Anthropology, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Public and Professional Writing. She joined the news staff in September 2019, was promoted to a senior staff writer in October 2020 and has been the News Editor since May 2021.

You can contact her at [email protected] or [email protected]

All content by Natalie Frank
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 entrance to The Eatery in Litchfield Towers.

In case you missed it: News from winter break 2021

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
January 11, 2022
Pitt police issued a crime alert.

Pitt police issue crime alert after armed robbery

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
December 10, 2021
Pittsburgh’s City Planning Commission discussed Walnut Capital’s plan to rezone and redevelop parts of Oakland during its Tuesday meeting.

Planning Commission, Walnut Capital debate controversial Oakland Crossings plan

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
December 8, 2021
Montez Newsome, a junior mathematics-economics major, studies for an organic chemistry project at Hillman Library on Friday evening.

Study finds that Pitt students’ mental, physical health still struggling one year into the pandemic

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
December 6, 2021
The Cathedral of Learning.

Richard King Mellon Foundation awards Black health equity grant

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
November 30, 2021
Officers responded to a report of a robbery at the 3700 block of Fifth Avenue shortly after 2:30 a.m. Monday morning.

City police arrest man for alleged robbery, terroristic threats in Oakland

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
November 30, 2021
The Properties and Facilities Committee of Pitt’s Board of Trustees held a public meeting on Friday via Zoom.

Board approves $32 million student housing site acquisition, Cathedral of Learning renovations

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
November 19, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said he is “grateful” for the foundation’s gift.

Pitt, Richard King Mellon Foundation announce $100 million grant

By Natalie Frank and Millicent Watt
November 17, 2021
The Office of Congressman Mike Doyle on East Carson Street in South Side on June 24, 2019. Steve Irwin, Pittsburgh lawyer, recently announced he will run to replace Doyle’s seat in Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district.

Squirrel Hill attorney Steve Irwin announces run for U.S. House

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
November 8, 2021
State Rep. Ed Gainey announces his win in the Pittsburgh mayoral race on Tuesday night at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts.

Ed Gainey elected Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor in landslide election

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
November 3, 2021
Pitt’s Staff Council met Wednesday over Zoom to vote on the Staff Emergency Fund proposal and hear from speakers from All of Us Research Program, Pitt’s United Way Campaign and the Office of Human Resources.

Staff Council discusses new emergency fund proposal, HR partnerships

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
October 21, 2021
A Walnut Capital advertisement.

City Council amends, advances Walnut Capital rezoning proposal

By Natalie Frank and Millicent Watt
October 19, 2021
Since Sept. 13, all Pitt classes must meet in person unless a dean approves a hybrid or remote option.

Professors navigate in-person semester, offer online learning options

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
October 19, 2021
SGB released a statement on Sunday announcing their support of Pitt’s faculty unionization efforts and “their freedom to vote and freedom to unionize at will.”

SGB releases statement supporting faculty’s ‘freedom to unionize’

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
October 10, 2021
Pitt police issue crime alert after indecent assault

Pitt police issue crime alert after indecent assault

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
October 8, 2021
Around 25 community members denounced Walnut Capital’s rezoning proposal for Central Oakland at a Pittsburgh City Council public hearing on Tuesday.

Community members urge City Council to hold Walnut Capital zoning proposal

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
October 8, 2021
Michelle Weltner, UPMC project manager, discussed new signage that the health care giant plans to implement at the Oakland Planning and Development Corp. public meeting Tuesday.

OPDC discusses UPMC signage, Carnegie Library banners and Walnut Capital proposal

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 29, 2021
Valerie Njie, president of the Pitt Alumni Association, at Friday morning's Board of Trustees meeting.

Alumni Association president updates Board of Trustees on past year’s work

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
September 24, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher speaking at Friday morning's Board of Trustees meeting.

Gallagher delivers annual report to Board of Trustees amid ongoing pandemic

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
September 24, 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
A Board of Trustees committee nominated Robert Hernandez, a 1966 Pitt alumnus who served on the Board of Trustees from 2002-2020, and Jack Smith, who completed his residency in orthopedics at Pitt in 1978 and served on the Board of Trustees from 2012-2020, to be emeritus trustees.

Board committee nominates two emeritus trustees

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 21, 2021
Pittsburgh City Council’s Committee on Public Works held a meeting Wednesday to discuss several subjects, including a proposed ordinance to establish traffic regulations for the Spin scooters.

Pittsburgh City Council takes step toward stricter scooter regulations

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 17, 2021
A protest in solidarity with students fighting against the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln took place Tuesday evening in front of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.

Students protest Fiji fraternity in solidarity with University of Nebraska-Lincoln students

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 15, 2021
The fallen tree limb on the Cathedral lawn Tuesday evening.

Falling tree limb strikes student on Cathedral lawn

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 14, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher spoke with The Pitt News last Friday about the planning for the fall semester, running the University during the COVID-19 pandemic’s latest stage, the ongoing faculty unionization vote, off-campus health guidelines and more.

Gallagher talks fall semester, political pressure and more in TPN interview

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
September 7, 2021
Pitt announced Monday that it’s partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania in order to provide preschool-aged children of Pitt faculty, staff and graduate students an opportunity to enroll in the Great Futures Preschool program at BGCWPA’s Carnegie or Estelle S. Campbell Lawrenceville clubhouses.

Pitt to provide additional preschool option through Boys & Girls Clubs partnership

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
September 2, 2021
N_CMRO_File

Pitt sees 10% increase in COVID-19 vaccine card submissions

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
August 26, 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
Chris Deluzio, policy director of Pitt’s Institute for Cyber Law, Policy and Security and adjunct professor in the School of Law, is running to represent the 17th Congressional District.

Pitt’s Chris Deluzio seeks to succeed Conor Lamb in Congress

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
August 23, 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
Puccini Hair Design is currently located at 237 Atwood St.

Puccini Hair Design to relocate after Pitt property sale, Sorrento’s fate unclear

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
August 19, 2021
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted its “To Be Oneself” event on Wednesday afternoon as part of Pitt’s annual Diversity Forum.

‘Stop talking and act’: Panelists discuss ways to protect, support trans people

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 29, 2021
Pitt announced plans Monday to redevelop its property at 3401 Boulevard of the Allies.

Pitt proposes plans to bring grocery store, resident housing to Oakland

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 26, 2021
Sheetz officials said Monday that the company is not affiliated with the posted signs and has no plans to develop at 3500 Forbes Ave.

No, Sheetz is not coming to Oakland

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 26, 2021
Pitt officials presented the University's Institutional Master Plan to the City Council on Wednesday afternoon.

Pitt officials present Institutional Master Plan to City Council

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 16, 2021
Carla Panzella will serve as Pitt's next dean of students.

Carla Panzella named Pitt’s next dean of students

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 16, 2021
The Properties and Facilities Committee met last Thursday to discuss resolutions to construct new buildings on the Greensburg and Bradford campuses and improvements to an Oakland campus building.

Board committee approves new building construction on branch campuses, Alan Magee Scaife Hall renovations

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 13, 2021
The student affairs committee of Pitt's Board of Trustees held a public meeting Thursday to discuss and approve a resolution to increase the student security and transportation fee.

Student security and transportation fee to increase for first time in 14 years

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
July 8, 2021
Pitt’s annual funding bill was passed by the Pennsylvania state Senate on Friday.

Senate passes annual funding bill, Pitt to receive flat funding for third year

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 29, 2021
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher speaks at Friday morning's board of trustees meeting.

Gallagher ‘strongly’ recommends, expects community to be vaccinated by fall, unveils new strategic plan

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
June 25, 2021
Kathy Humphrey, outgoing senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of the board of trustees, speaks at the board's Friday morning meeting.

Board approves new trustees, Humphrey honored

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
June 25, 2021
The Governance and Nominating Committee of Pitt’s Board of Trustees held a public meeting Friday morning to discuss resolutions to elect and re-elect members of the Board of Trustees and revise select University bylaws.

Board committee elects new officers, trustees and revises University bylaws

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 22, 2021
According to a petition, the houses at 3401-3421 Bates St. and 392 Coltart Ave. near Boulevard of the Allies are a “public nuisance” due to their dilapidated and uninhabited state.

Board committee approves Hillman renovations, new chilled water plant and off-campus property acquisitions

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 17, 2021
Pitt provides COVID-19 vaccine incentives, no plans for vaccine requirement

Pitt provides COVID-19 vaccine incentives, no plans for vaccine requirement

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 17, 2021
The committee approved a flat distribution rate from the University’s endowment this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Endowment distribution to remain the same for 2022 fiscal year

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 15, 2021
Pitt began its search for a new dean of students in February and started interviewing finalists for the position on Monday.

Interviews begin for new dean of students

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 8, 2021
Pitt eases mask, physical distancing requirements

Pitt eases mask, physical distancing requirements

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 4, 2021
Football coach Pat Narduzzi is the highest-paid non-officer employee at Pitt.

Narduzzi reported as highest-paid non-officer for fourth-straight year

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
June 1, 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
The student affairs committee of the Board of Trustees held a public meeting last Wednesday to discuss resolutions to increase the Student Activity Fee at all four of Pitt’s campuses, the Student Wellness Fee at the Pittsburgh campus and the Student Recreation Fee at the Johnstown and Bradford branch campuses.

Board committee votes to increase student fees

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
May 25, 2021
The concession after the primary upset win against Bill Peduto puts Ed Gainey on a glide path to becoming the City’s first Black mayor.

Gainey upsets incumbent Peduto in Pittsburgh mayoral race primary

By Natalie Frank, News Editor
May 18, 2021
Ray Nell Jones: ‘All-igned’ with her purpose

Ray Nell Jones: ‘All-igned’ with her purpose

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
April 26, 2021
History professor Alaina Roberts helped create a formal proposal last summer that called for all undergraduates to complete a Black studies course as part of their general education requirements.

Left ‘in the dark’: Status of Black studies course requirement unclear

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
April 13, 2021
Pitt law professor Jerry Dickinson is running against Rep. Michael Doyle, D-Pa., in the Democratic primary election.

Pitt law professor Jerry Dickinson announces second run for U.S. House

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
April 13, 2021
Kim Haas, a Pitt 1990 alumna, is the host of “Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas,” which first aired on PBS last fall.

‘Labor of love’: Pitt alum talks Afro-Latino history, culture on PBS show

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
March 18, 2021
Pitt’s Global Studies Center hosted a webinar titled “Transnational Dialogues in Afrolatinidad: Education and Anti-Blackness” on Friday afternoon. The webinar focused on how history, education and anti-Blackness impact Afro-Latin Americans and their communities, and how higher education can do more to teach this history.

‘Different voices’: Panel discusses Afro-Latinx history, new methods of teaching

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
March 8, 2021
Pitt’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX hosted an event titled “Violence on the Rise: The Troubled Relationship between COVID-19 and domestic violence” last September, which addressed the increase of domestic violence and sexual violence during the pandemic.

‘Survivor-centered’: Intimate partner violence, sexual assault organizations forge ahead amidst pandemic

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
February 10, 2021
“First Peoples Past & Present: Native Health and Voting Power,” an event focusing on the history of Native people in Pittsburgh and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Native communities, was hosted by Pitt’s Office of Health Sciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Wednesday afternoon.

Panel discusses health disparities, voter power in Indigenous communities

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
January 29, 2021
The U.S. Human Rights Cities Alliance and Pittsburgh Human Rights Working Group hosted an event titled “Housing Justice, Human Rights and Health Webinar: Engaging Locally” with Leilani Farha on Thursday night.

Panelists discuss housing as a human right not a place for profits

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
November 6, 2020
Members of Pitt College Republicans at the 2020 Lincoln Dinner in February.

‘Pseudo-Pitt for Trump’: College Republicans campaign for Trump, local candidates

By Natalie Frank, Senior Staff Writer
October 28, 2020
A panel of experts from Pitt and the city of Pittsburgh discussed the new Title IX regulations and their effects on the University Thursday via Zoom.

Title IX office discusses resources, training under new federal regulations

By Natalie Frank and Rebecca Johnson
October 23, 2020
Eric Macadangdang, president of the Student Government Board, said SGB plays an active role in redirecting the “enforcement responsibility” for COVID-19 rules from police to other outlets.

Pitt police, SGB work to enforce COVID safety protocols, form new student advisory committee

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
October 14, 2020
Paige Ottaviano has been working as a transporter at UPMC Presybterian during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘A new normal’: Student health care workers share their struggles to balance work, school

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
September 30, 2020
Pitt announced at the end of August that it would require first-year students to take a one-credit online course on systemic anti-racism and anti-Black racism.

‘A good stepping stone’: Students, professors review new anti-racism course

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
September 15, 2020
Terry Lucas, the general manager of The Pitt News, is set to retire at the end of September after 35 years at the paper.

Longtime TPN general manager to retire after 35 years at paper

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
September 8, 2020
Pitt’s Title IX office has implemented a number of new controversial changes announced by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, meeting the federal government’s Aug. 14 deadline and drawing concerns from some students and Title IX officials in the process.

‘Terrifying’: Title IX office, students react to new federal regulations

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
September 4, 2020
Some Pitt students have struggled to secure a job after they graduated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pitt alumni struggle to find jobs, adjust to virtual offices

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
August 27, 2020
Valerie Kinloch, dean of Pitt’s School of Education, discusses the release of her book, “Race, Justice, and Activism in Literacy Instruction,” on Tuesday afternoon.

Dean Kinloch discusses her new book on racially charged history of literacy

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
February 25, 2020
Pitt alum Sarah DeMaria speaks about special education teacher retention at Tuesday morning’s “Breakfast with Disability Researcher Sarah DeMaria” in the Honors College.

Disability researcher Sarah DeMaria talks special education at Alumni Breakfast

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
February 5, 2020
The University Senate’s Plant Utilization and Planning Committee met Monday afternoon in Forbes Tower to discuss the changes to Pitt’s campus brought up in the recently released Institutional Master Plan.

Senate committee talks energy efficiency

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
January 13, 2020
According to the online timeline of the Bigelow project, phase one focused on “utility infrastructure improvements” by installing utility lines on Bigelow.

Pitt preparing for phase 2 of Bigelow reconstruction

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
December 1, 2019
The Institutional Master Plan says that the Music Building should be maintained. Uncertainty about plans for the building has previously been met with pushback from the community.

Institutional Master Plan draft details the Oakland of the future

By Natalie Frank, Staff Writer
November 14, 2019
Pittsburgh native and Oakland resident Jacob Nixon announced his candidacy for the District 3 seat as an independent in September.

Oakland resident seeks to unseat City Council president

By Natalie Frank, For The Pitt News
October 22, 2019
Bigelow Boulevard will be closed between Forbes and Fifth avenues from Nov. 1 to Aug. 15, 2020.

Ready, set, dig: Bigelow closure one month away

By Natalie Frank, For The Pitt News
October 7, 2019
Bike vendors and organizations from around the Pittsburgh and Oakland area came to Pitt’s first fall Bike to Campus Day.

Bike to Campus Day puts wheels in motion

By Natalie Frank, For The Pitt News
September 18, 2019
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