As the University of Miami readjusts to having over 15,000 students back on campus, the parking lots are readjusting to the thousands of cars that accompany them.With students constantly rushing in an...

This year is the 19th rendition of Hug the Lake, the prized Earth Day tradition for the University of Miami. It comes just days after the Southeast coast of Florida was inundated with record levels of rainfall that led to rescue efforts, delays and water pollution throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The “hug" is a symbol of resilience, but also one of compassion for the environment that continues to support the livelihood of UM.

Since the passing of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in 2000, the Everglades has become the largest ecological restoration effort in the world, receiving several billion-dollar infusions in pursuit of preserving the water quality and environmental health of the South Florida basin. The latest addition to the restoration effort is the most prominent to date. A $4 billion endeavor, the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir will encompass a 10,500 acre reservoir and 6,500 acres of wetlands, otherwise known as the Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). Set for completion in 2030 and full implementation a few years later, the EAA will mark the conclusion of a thirty year endeavor to restore Florida’s natural water flow.

On what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the historic case that granted the right to abortion in the U.S, there was instead a day of protest as pro-choice groups mobilized across the country. In Miami, the local Women’s March chapter, alongside other grassroot programs, organized a rally outside the Miami-Dade County (MDC) courthouse where a couple hundred supporters gathered throughout the day.

Standing against the majority of the Board of County Commissioners, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced her veto of a more than 370 acre expansion of the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) on Thursday, Nov. 10. “I must veto this legislation so that we can continue building a strong, resilient foundation for future economic growth,” Levine Cava said in a public statement released on Nov. 10. “Moving the Urban Development Boundary will have a detrimental impact on residents countywide for generations to come.”

In the days following the announcement of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp)’s removal from campus, most students, relevant organizations and the University of Miami have remained silent. Despite news coverage across many networks including Fox News and CBS, UM has yet to issue a public statement to students beyond the short comments provided to The Miami Hurricane. No UM Greek life organization has commented on the matter as well. While some students have expressed strong opinions, virtually none were willing to go on the record with The Miami Hurricane. This has contributed to an atmosphere of silence and uncertainty. No information has been shared on the future status of the fraternity, whether the police or university will investigate claims of laced drinks, nor whether UM will further punish those involved in the video.

At 3:05 p.m. on Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian made landfall over Florida as a category 4 storm battering the SWFL barrier islands of Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Cayo Costa. Ian then worked its way inward and north, generating a massive storm surge with it that flooded many coastal properties while wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour shredded landscapes. Just over 150 miles away at the University of Miami, students from the SWFL community huddled around live news streams of local weather channels, continuously reloaded social media pages for more information and prayed for a text from their loved ones back home.

On Sunday, the week of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria–the category four storm that devastated Puerto Rico and killed over 3,000 people–Hurricane Fiona made landfall on the United States territory, undoing much of the build-back progress gained since Hurricane Maria. The category one hurricane poured more than 30 inches of rain onto the hardest-hit areas with wind gusts reaching 90 MPH. The combined effects took its toll on the island. Puerto Rico’s power grid went dark, leaving the island without power. The torrential rain triggered flash floods, forcing a rescue mission of over 1,000 people stranded amidst the flooding.

“All references to Chief, Son of Chief, and Medicine Man have been amended to Chair, Treasurer and Lawmaker, respectively. The changes are effective immediately and comes after consultation with leadership of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida,” the Iron Arrow Honor Society said in a statement following an uncontested vote.

From the replacement of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill with local, family-owned Tacos & Tattoos, to an influx of vending machines serving everything from cupcakes to coffee; University of Miami Dining has been working hard to revamp their dining options. The most frequented of these new spaces will likely be the edgy yet charismatic Latin fusion restaurant Tacos & Tattoos. The newest addition to UM’s on-campus dining is located in the Whitten University Center. Marking the fourth location in their up-and-coming restaurant chain, owner Jonathan “Jay” Cruz could not be more thrilled to bring their sit-down style to the university setting.