How to spend the season’s best (or worst) holiday

V's Take
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How to spend the season’s best (or worst) holiday

As the spring semester turns into a full sprint, February is already here. Some of us treat February as the short filler month right before spring break, and some of us have a big red heart around the 14th on our calendars.

This year, that extra special holiday falls on a Saturday, so at least you won’t have to run into bouquets or — even worse — extreme PDA on campus. 

Whether you’re feeling single and want to plan a Galentines or are one of the lucky ones, this article is for you.

I’ve curated a list of the best, most romantic spots in Miami, with input from the locals, to take your date or your girls. 

Restaurants

On the more chill side, Crazy About You is an American and Mediterranean restaurant on the waterfront in Brickell. Enjoy their applewood braised short rib or oxtail tacos with a sunset view. This place is cool and classy without breaking the bank. 

Slightly more upscale but romantic and old-school luxury is Casa Tua. If you love a good Italian dish, you will love this place. It’s intimate, candlelit and the pasta is homemade. 

Taking it up a notch is Miami classic Prime 112. If you are willing to spend the money, Prime 112 is a legendary spot located near South Beach with flawlessly cooked ribeye, prime rib and A5 wagyu.  

Next up is KOKO Miami, which is perfect for the gals and an intimate date. This upscale, modern Mexican restaurant has great food, great energy and it feels like more than a dinner, it’s a night out. 

Lastly, Catch Miami is trendy and perfect for seafood lovers. You can enjoy the famous wagyu gyoza while snapping cute pics on their rooftop with a view of the water. It’s on the pricier side, along with Prime 112 and KOKO, but the food and vibes are totally worth the hype. 

Attractions

A classic dinner date is always a safe move on this holiday filled with love, but I’ve come up with some other fun date ideas for couples who want to have fun and try new things. 

Starting off super strong is iFLY Miami Indoor Skydiving. If you and your partner are up for a thrill, iFLY gives you the sensation of skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane. The vertical wind tunnel will spark a lot of laughs and create the perfect photo opp giving “cool couple” vibes.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground you can trySuperblue, an immersive art exhibit in Wynwood with more than 50,000 square feet of interactive art exhibits. It even has heartbeat-activated light rooms so your date can see how fast your heartbeat is beating. 

If you’re looking for something even more chill, try Color Me Mine. This paint-your-own pottery studio allows you to get creative and relax at the same time. You can pick your pottery pieces together and paint them for as long as the date lasts, and then the studio will glaze them for you. Hopefully you can pick them up together on the next date if it goes well.

Salsa Z is perfect for couples who want an intimate date, without just sitting over a meal. This Gen Z centered Salsa club hosts fun events where you can learn to salsa and meet new people. Their next event is Cima Fest on Valentines Day at Zey Zey Miami.

Last but definitely not least, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is an 83-acre tropical garden in Coral Gables with all kinds of cool plants, making it the perfect spot for a romantic walk or a picnic. They even have a butterfly garden and a seasonal flower showcase on V-Tines Day. 

If this holiday is just for the girls or a possible new man, I hope you all find love in the magic city this Valentines day.

Xoxo V

Stop faking it and start finishing

V's Take
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Stop faking it and start finishing

Valentine’s Day is over. The roses are wilting. The chocolates are half-eaten. Now it’s time to ask yourself: Did you actually have fun?

Because the shrug and “oh, it was fine” combo is not a review anyone should be giving their own sex life.

From here on out, I’m declaring 2026 the year of main character sex.

And that starts with one simple rule: You finish too.

Maybe you’re soft and sweet. Maybe you prefer to be bent over and rocked into a pillow. Maybe in college — while you’re exploring with that guy from the frat you swore you hated — you dabble in a bit of everything.

That’s okay. What’s not okay?

Bad sex. It’s the opposite of okay, actually.

Mediocre sex is so unsexy it hurts — like the handprints on your thighs you wake up to, hungover on a Saturday morning, except there’s no fun story to accompany it. Sis, if the only thing that climaxed was his ego, we need to have a chat.

Because here’s the secret no one wants to admit: Women fake it. And we are disturbingly good at it.

So good, in fact, that every Chad and Brad on this campus walks around thinking he’s a generational talent. But, he’s not a sex god. You’re just a good actress. 

But in this never-ending cycle of fake moans, women are contributors too. You cannot complain about mediocre sex while applauding mediocre performance.

Tell him what you like. Tell him what you don’t.

Move his hand. Adjust the angle. Say “slower,” “harder,” “right there.”

If he’s worth your time, he’ll listen. If he doesn’t? That’s your cue to bail.

Main character sex is about being intentional — with yourself and your partner. It’s about understanding that your pleasure is no longer negotiable. You deserve to enjoy yourself. 

And if you’re thinking, “Oh, but V, this advice doesn’t seem to apply to lesbian relationships,” you’d be right. They already understand what I’m talking about. This one’s for my ladies stuck in heteronormative entanglements, planning their next d**k appointment, hoping it actually makes them want to cancel brunch.

Maybe the real issue is that you don’t know what you like yet. That’s okay. Figure it out. On your own. With curiosity instead of shame. Light a candle. Take a walk down that CVS aisle that once felt forbidden and select your new sidekick. 

This is the year we retire fake moans and raise the bar. The stars will make their way into your eyesight naturally.

So as you link up with your man, remember that your body really is a temple. Start worshipping it.

And any guy that visits?

Make sure he does too.

With love,
V

Eat adorable voodoo dolls at Voodoo Doughnuts

Samantha Rodriguez
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Eat adorable voodoo dolls at Voodoo Doughnuts

A doughnut staple has arrived at the 305. Voodoo Doughnuts, a doughnut shop originally from Portland, opened a location in Wynwood just a 30 minute drive away from the University of Miami. I made the drive to see if the doughnuts were worth it, trust me: they are.

Voodoo Doughnuts sells classic doughnuts and special ones inspired by the store location, like their limited-time Key Lime flavored and Miami Vice-themed doughnuts. You can catch employees making the doughnuts in the back through a clear glass they have at the front of the store.

A box of doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnuts with a Voodoo Doll doughnut on top at Voodoo Doughnuts Wynwood location on Feb. 18, 2026. Photo Credit // Sophia Ibanez.

Every doughnut flavor spoke to my taste buds. Try mango tango for the tangy mango jam inside and vanilla frosting or the O Captain, My Captain, a doughnut covered in Cap’n Crunch cereal, for a crunchy bite.  

The blueberry cake doughnut, which looks like a blueberry muffin turned doughnut covered in a sugar glaze, was delicious. At first, I thought it might be too sweet but when I finished it I immediately wanted another one. 

Of course, there’s no Voodoo Doughnuts without their Voodoo Doll doughnut. The raspberry jam-filled doughnut is shaped almost exactly like a voodoo doll and is big enough to share. 

You can fight with your friend over the doll’s agonized face made with creamy yellow and green frosting or the bottom half with the pretzel stick. Each part is just as amazing.

The store is as wonderfully decorated as the doughnuts. Its Barbie pink exterior and interior, LED signs and a painting of Gloria Estefan make it a great place for photos.  

The painting of Gloria Estefan inside the Voodoo Doughnuts location at Wynwood on Feb. 18, 2026. Photo Credit // Sophia Ibanez.

The Voodoo merchandise, from pink tote bags to “magic” mugs with a hole in the center, match its quirky, witchy vibe perfectly. You can find them while waiting in line as you get ready to discover your next favorite doughnut.

The prices are similar to doughnut prices in other stores like Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme, averaging $3 for one. But the Voodoo Doughnuts taste quality is unmatched. 

A drive to Voodoo Doughnuts is worth your time, and maybe even the three hour walk too. Or you can bring the treats right to your dorm with Grubhub, UberEats and most food delivery services.

The Wynwood Voodoo Doughnuts location is open from 6a.m. to 3a.m. daily so you can get a doughnut almost anytime you’re awake. 

Be warned: after you try it for the first time, there will always be a Voodoo doughnut calling your name and urging you to pay the weird delivery fees so you can get one more bite.

Author of ‘Son of Hamas,’ Mosab Hassan Yousef, draws sold-out crowd at SSI event

Gianni Echeverria
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Author of ‘Son of Hamas,’ Mosab Hassan Yousef, draws sold-out crowd at SSI event

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the author of “Son of Hamas,” came to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 24 for an event hosted by Students Supporting Israel. 

Yousef is the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who is a co-founder of Hamas. Hamas is the governing party in the Gaza Strip despite being designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State. 

200 people were able to attend the event, and tickets sold out two days after it was announced. The waitlist also reached capacity the day before the event.

The event, moderated by Dr. Ira Sheskin , a professor at UM’s Judaic Studies and Geography department, began with a look into Yousef’s early life, and why he believes he was radicalized as a child. 

“Growing up where I did, there was really no other choice,” said Yousef. “When you see the people who disobey, they are beaten, tortured and beheaded.”

The topic then shifted to Yousef’s work with the Shin Bet — Israel’s counterintelligence agency — where he described some of the operations he took part in and what motivated him to work with Israel.

He also offered his insights on the current Iranian regime and why he believes the pre-1979 monarchy is not the best alternative. He has recently gained a lot of attention online for his opinions on the former Persian monarchy.

The event closed with questions from the audience. One student asked about his opposition to Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Iranian shah. Another student asked about Donald Trump’s controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip. 

“He is presenting himself as this loving monarch, like a father, who wants to take care of his children,” said Yousef, when speaking about Pahlavi. “But show me his qualifications, because I do not see them.” 

Pahlavi has publicly positioned himself as a democratic alternative to the current Iranian theocracy. 

“I think he is extremely intelligent. Everything he says is strategic and well thought out,” said Jami Campodonico, a mother of two UM alumni who attended the event. “Anytime he was asked a question, he really sat for a moment to absorb, and then decided what to say and how to answer.” 

Others emphasized the importance of hearing testimony directly from someone who grew up inside Hamas’ leadership. 

“I thought the event was very important,” said Cameron Newman, the senior advisor for SSI. “What better way than to hear from someone… who grew up in the thick of it all to give a firsthand experience,” Newman said. 

The event was hosted in the Shalala Student Center, in the ballroom on the third floor. Invite-only early access meet-and-greet for the event began at 7:00 p.m. The event began at 8:00 p.m. and was limited to students, faculty and family of board members of SSI.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival returns for its 62nd showcase

Luciana Owsley
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Coconut Grove Arts Festival returns for its 62nd showcase

Over President’s Day weekend, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival returned to South Miami for the 62nd time. The occasion was met with three days of clear skies and sunshine, the perfect environment for the fully outdoor festival.

This lively event brought together nearly 300 skilled artists from all over the world to showcase their work, sell their art and get their name out to the public. 

Each artist was set up in individual booth displays that lined multiple streets just south of downtown Miami along South Bayshore Drive, bordering Biscayne Bay. Plenty of parking in the area allowed for visitors to walk only a block or two before making their way into the festival. 

Thousands of people filled the streets to appreciate the work of these talented artists, and many left with a piece to commemorate the festival and decorate their home. 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Sculptor Eugene Perry stands encompassed by his sculptures at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival on Feb. 15, 2026.

The crowd was filled with all ages and featured a special ‘Inner Artist’ portion of the festival where children were able to participate in the fun by coloring on strung-up canvases and posters. 

Alongside ongoing conversations among artists and friends, the event highlighted multiple musical performances. These spanned from rock bands performing old hits like Radiohead’s “Creep” and “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, to a group of dressed-up bagpipe players who made their way playing through the crowd.

The art itself took shape in almost every form imaginable, ranging over 15 mediums. From paintings of city skylines and watercolor oceans to libraries and impressionism-style nature scenes, the pictures on the canvas were nothing less than spectacular. 

Artists showcased their expansive photography of landscape sunsets, sand dunes, willow trees, horse-riding cowboys and more. Along with these 2D displays, there were physical pieces of all kinds, ranging from intricate table centerpieces to functional cooking tools and wearable designs. 

These creations included glass sculptures of fruit, flowers, animals and seashells, carved wooden bowls and flower pots and metal jewelry and clothing. 

In the ‘Emerging Artists’ section, new creators displayed their work of photography, abstract painting and silk clothing designs. 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // A vendor flips an arepa at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival on Feb. 15, 2026.

The festival also featured a large number of culinary vendors, offering a wide variety of food for visitors to choose from. There were a multitude of beverage options, with many opting towards the frozen lemonade and smoothies to provide some relief from the afternoon sun. 

The center of the festival saw rows of food trucks and stands selling nachos, pizza, lobster rolls, barbecue, popcorn, dessert, fruit and more.The Coconut Grove Arts Festival brought in large crowds and offered a major opportunity for artists to showcase their best work. In case you missed it, catch the biggest highlights at their official Instagram here.

Lead detective in Pata case testifies in ongoing Rashaun Jones trial

Layla Fessler
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Lead detective in Pata case testifies in ongoing Rashaun Jones trial

The trial of former UM football player Rashaun Jones continued on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. 

Jones pleaded not guilty for the murder of his teammate Bryan Pata, who was shot and killed outside his apartment on Nov. 7, 2006. 

Rashaun Jones was arrested on Aug. 19, 2021, nearly fifteen years after Pata was killed. In custody, Jones was interviewed by lead detective Juan Segovia, who was appointed to his position in 2020 after assisting with the case in 2006. 

The jury not only heard Segovia’s testimony yesterday afternoon, but the recorded interrogation from the day of Jones’s arrest was played in court.

Throughout the interrogation, Jones insisted on his innocence.  

“I have nothing to do with this guy. Nothing,” Jones said during the trial.

When asked about a motive to kill Pata during his interrogation, Jones recalls how Pata’s life outside of football was an expensive one, leading to him potentially getting involved in dangerous situations. 

While Pata’s expensive life outside UM could be a motive, Segovia explains in a trial clip from NBC that he believes the reason was more intimate.

“That type of attack, a single gunshot wound to the head, to me, said it was a personal attack,” Segovia said while on the stand. “Everything screamed to me ‘personal.’”

To those who knew Pata and Jones, nothing screamed personal like the long-standing feud between the two football players. 

In the recorded questioning, Jones admits his relationship with Pata was “up-and-down,” because of  “jealousy over females,” alluding to the turbulence caused by Pata’s then-girlfriend Jada Brody, who is also Jones’ ex. 

Jones recounted another altercation that occurred in 2004, where he and Pata engaged in a fight in a dorm room. After this incident, Jones purported that the fight marked the end of the tension between him and Pata. 

However, during his testimony, Segovia claimed this catalogue of disputes was incomplete. According to Segovia, he interviewed those close to both Pata and Jones, who told him there was a lot of “bad blood” that continued well after the fight that occurred between them in the dorm room up until the time of the murder. 

According to Segovia, there were “many” contradictions between Rashaun’s statements and witness testimonies. 

During Jones’ recorded interview in 2021, Segovia asked about his whereabouts the night of the murder. Jones denied being near Pata’s residence, challenging the eyewitness testimony of UM professor Paul Connor. In a statement, Connor said “I saw a gentleman approaching the gate, maybe 15 or 20 seconds after I heard the bang.”

While Connor confesses he was only 90 percent sure the man was Jones, he picked Jones out of a lineup of similar looking men. 

During his interrogation, Rashaun Jones claimed that reports of him calling Mike Sanders for money were lies. However, pulled phone records show that Rashaun called Sanders at around 10:00 p.m. on November 7th. 

In Segovia’s testimony, he says the phone records also reveal that Jones’ phone was off at some point the night of Pata’s death. This corroborates Jones’ claim of turning his phone off, reasoning that he wanted to be left alone after testing positive for marijuana. However, the timing of the phone being off aligns with the time of Pata’s murder. 

According to the Local 10 website, all of these details led to Jones’ arrest. 

“All the historical previous threats he [Jones] had made to the victim [Pata], accompanied with the display or talk of the same type of firearm that killed the victim…” Segovia detailed. “It was the phone records, it was the identification of Mr. Connor… It was the lies about where he was that night.”

Tuesday evening, Rashaun Jones’ attorneys began their cross-examination of Segovia, questioning both the quality of the investigation and why it took so long to make an arrest. Also on Tuesday evening, according to NBC, Jones’ attorneys motioned for a mistrial. Their reasoning was that the lead detective, Segovia, referred to Jones as a liar. This motion was denied by the judge, and the trial will continue this week.

Winter Music Conference announces its second wave of programming for Miami Music Week

Gabriel Mena
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Winter Music Conference announces its second wave of programming for Miami Music Week

The Winter Music Conference is adding a new slate of artist speakers, industry executives and showcase events in its second wave of programming for MiamiMiami Music Week this March.

Among the newly revealed artist speakers are Sara Landry, Radio Slave, DJ Minx, Doc Martin, Junior Sanchez, Lizzy Jane, Arielle Free, OOKAY, Alleycvt, Sydney Blu, Sippy, Sandflower Dyson and Eli from Soul Clap.

This a mix of established figures and rising names across house and electronic music  helps reinforce WMC’s role as a space where creative practice meets industry conversation.

On the business side, the expanded roster now includes representatives from SoundCloud, StubHub, Palm Tree Records, Ultra Records, Dirtybird, mau5trap, SoundOn at TikTok, Interscope and more. 

They are joining the previously announced leaders from Beatport and other major organizations. The additions reflect the increasingly platform-driven nature of the dance music ecosystem, where streaming strategy, live events and label development intersect.

WMC and Beatport Live also unveiled full programming for its official three-day pool party series. Curated by Mood Child, Rekids and Hot Creations x Three Six Zero Recordings, the event will feature performances from Danny Tenaglia, Radio Slave, DJ Minx, DJ Sneak and others. 

Meanwhile, the A&R Pop-Up Lounge will host a range of dance imprints, offering structured opportunities for connection between artists and labels.

For music students in South Florida, WMC’s return represents more than a week of panels and parties — it offers direct exposure to how the electronic music industry operates at every level, from artist branding to label strategy. 

As the world’s longest-running electronic music conference, WMC continues to position Miami not just as a party destination, but as a global meeting point for music, technology, and culture.

Passion and controversy collide in ‘Wuthering Heights’

Gaby Collazo
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Passion and controversy collide in ‘Wuthering Heights’

“Wuthering Height,” a tragic love story novel that has long been considered a staple in high school English classrooms, has been transformed into a new film drenched in torrential rain and raw passion, evoking intensity, heartbreak and controversy.

Director Emerald Fennel brings the novel to the screen in the highly anticipated 2026 adaption of “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Fennel transforms the novel into a visually striking cinematic experience. 

The novel “Wuthering Heights,” published in 1847 under a pseudonym by Emily Brontë, was initially criticized as dark, immoral and violent, a sharp deviation from the refined and moralistic tone of Victorian-era literature. 

The story begins when Mr. Earnshaw brings home a young orphan boy, whom his daughter Catherine names Healthcliff. What follows is a childhood bond that evolves into a complicated and destructive love story shaped by obsession, class division and revenge. 

The intensity of Catherine and Heathcliff’s connection ultimately leads to suffering not only for themselves but for everyone around them.

What stands out most in the film is not the star power but the meticulous set and costume design. Filmed primarily in the Yorkshire Dales of Northern England, the sweeping moorland landscapes capture the bleak and isolating Gothic atmosphere central to the story. 

Costume designer Jacqueline Duran, known for her work on “Barbie” and “Little Women” films, skillfully uses clothing to signal shifts in time period and social class. From ragged garments that reflect poverty to refined fabrics and jewelry that represent wealth and status, the costumes visually communicate the rigid class hierarchy that drives much of the conflict. 

Despite its visual achievements, the film has faced much criticism. Much like the novel’s early reception, the adaptation’s portrayal of toxic, destructive and obsessive passion intertwined with themes of revenge and cruelty, have sparked debate. 

While visually stunning, the film’s heightened sensuality at times overshadows the novel’s emotional and psychological depth. Critics argue that key plot lines and characters are omitted, resulting in surface-level storytelling that modernizes Brontë’s work in ways that feel overly stylized and superficial.

“There’s a particular scene where Heathcliff is incredibly toxic toward Edgar’s sister, Isabella (Alison Oliver), and while I won’t spoil it, it’s a moment that shouldn’t have been romanticized at all,” said critic Tom’s Guide.  “‘Wuthering Heights’ is a visual feast for the eyes, but once that glossiness fades, the rot starts to show.” 

In response to the backlash, Fennel stated, “I can’t say I’m making ‘Wuthering Heights.’ It’s not possible. What I can say is I’m making a version of it.”

Despite criticism, the film succeeds in capturing one of the novel’s essential themes, what happens when social class interferes with love and passion, allowing revenge and resentment to fester.

Ultimately, the film presents a modern interpretation of Brontë’s Victorian tragedy, one that resonates with contemporary audiences drawn to stories of dark romance and emotional vulnerability. 

While it may not replicate the novel’s full depth, it offers a 21st-century lens that highlights how themes of class, obsession, and revenge remain deeply relevant today. 

Rating: 4/5

Everything you need to build the perfect yogurt bowl

Marissa Levinson
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Everything you need to build the perfect yogurt bowl

Your day starts with chaos. A blaring alarm piercing from your phone to your ear at 8 a.m. You have a long day ahead of you. A hearty breakfast to fuel you is just what you need. But what you craveis something a little bit sweet, nourishing and refreshing all at once. 

A tub of Greek yogurt, some fruit and toppings await you in your fridge – the ingredients to the perfect, most delicious and nutritious breakfast. 

Although the ingredients sound simple enough to spontaneously buy on a grocery run, a yogurt bowl’s true potential as a nutrient-provider can only be achieved if done correctly. 

Before you make your next trip to Publix, Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s or wherever you buy your groceries, put this list in your back pocket. 

Fage 2% milkfat Greek yogurt 

With 15 grams of protein per three-fourth cup serving, five grams of carbohydrates, three grams of fat and 100 calories – in addition to probiotics, this yogurt is a natural power machine of nutrients. 

When it comes to Greek yogurt, people’s most common grievances with it are its tangy taste and unique texture. This yogurt specifically, is just the right amount of tart. As a base with toppings, the tartness is offset. 

The 0% fat option of the same brand is too tangy and thin. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 5% fat variation is good, but the extra fat isn’t necessary. 

In comparison to other popular brands like Chobani and Yoplait, Fage’s non-overwhelming taste, mousse-like texture and significant nutritional value reigns superior. This yogurt costs roughly $2 per serving. 

If lactose intolerance is what’s stopping you from jumping on the yogurt bandwagon, a lactose-free option is available as well. 

Dr. Michelina Witte, a School of Education and Human Development professor at University of Miami who specializes in nutrition, finds even more health benefits in this option.

“It provides creaminess and satiety without dairy” Witte said. “For many people, this swap supports comfortable digestive health as well as cardiometabolic health without sacrificing taste or functionality.”

She notes that any Greek yogurt, whether the standard dairy options or a lactose-free alternative, is beneficial for breakfast. 

“Whether it’s dairy-based or plant-based, you’re generally getting a mix of protein, carbohydrates,” Witte said.

Fruit

The second most important part of the bowl. Whichever fruit you would like is up to you, but my personal favorites are blueberries, which happen to have their own handful of health benefits. 

An article in Healthline magazine cites blueberries’ antioxidants, low caloric content, high Vitamin C and fiber as key qualities of the fruit. 

Although these benefits are specific to blueberries, every fruit has its own, and it’s all mostly a matter of personal preference for texture and taste. 

For me, blueberries add the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness, similar to the yogurt base, but with enough contrast of sourness to bring something new to the table. I’ve enjoyed strawberries, apples, raspberries and bananas as well. 

Alyssa’s healthy oatmeal bites

Granola is a generally-loved yogurt topping, but a standard bag is often high in carbohydrates and sugars. It’s great as a treat, but lacks nutritional value. 

Alyssa’s Healthy Oatmeal Bites, meanwhile, are just as delectable, but a more beneficial alternative. One oat bite offers four grams of fiber and two grams of protein all for 45 calories and less than two fat grams. 

Though softer than granola, the texture of these oat bites pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the yogurt, blending right in with the rest of the bowl. A pack of these oat bites is about $5 at grocery stores nationwide, but homemade versions of them are a great option as well. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon isn’t just a spice that adds flavor, it also comes with nutritional benefits of its own. Healthline cited cinnamon’s potential to prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels. 

It’s a natural metabolism boost dusted over the fruit – its warm, woody taste complementing the yogurt’s tanginess. Be sure not to exceed the daily recommended limit of half a teaspoon, however, or choose to buy organic ceylon cinnamon. 

Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

So maybe this final step isn’t necessary, but who doesn’t love a little chocolate treat? The perfect balance between the sweetness of milk chocolate and the richness of dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips are the best option to sprinkle on top of your yogurt bowl. 

For a more even spread, the mini ones are the most-suitable. Just a few goes a long way to increase the enjoyability without diminishing the nutritional value of the complete bowl. 

In a world where food boxes come with labels of 30 unpronounceable artificial ingredients, a natural source of protein, probiotics, healthy fats, carbohydrates and sugar is a hidden gem.

Greek yogurt bowls are the ideal organic, filling and sweet breakfast option for anyone looking to both be fueled by their meals while simultaneously enjoying them. 

“[Greek yogurt isn’t] something that’s here today and gone tomorrow,” Witte said. “Trends come and go — but nutrient-dense, versatile foods rarely disappear altogether.”

UMPD report indicates declining rates of crime on campus

Lauren Whitesell
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UMPD report indicates declining rates of crime on campus

The UM Police Department (UMPD) released the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Combined Annual Security Report & Annual Fire Safety Report on Oct 1, 2025. 

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1092(f)), UMPD’s report includes UM’s campus security policies and crime statistics from 2022, 2023 and 2024. In addition, the report shows UM’s fire safety policies and fire-related statistics in compliance with the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know section of the Higher Education Act (34 CFR 668.46).

 

Security report

According to the report, burglary rates on the Coral Gables campus have decreased from eight reported cases in 2022 to three in 2024. In addition, disciplinary referrals for liquor law violations reduced to 112 in 2024 from 186 in 2022. Disciplinary referrals for drug abuse violations also went down to 43 in 2024 from 65 in 2022. 

Reports of crime for all other offense types have been consistent over the past three years, and no offense types have had an upward trend over the time period.

Crime reports on the Medical campus have remained consistent from 2022 and 2024 and there have only been two crime reports on the Marine campus in the past three years, with one dating violence report and one stalking report, both in 2023.

No hate crimes on any UM campus were reported in the past three years.

The report also includes how UM lets the community know about certain crimes, including the channels that they use. Lastly, the report gives tips to students, employees and faculty on how to stay as safe as possible while on campus.

To learn more about safety at UM or to report a suspected crime, visit the UMPD’s website or in-person on the first floor of the Flipse building.

 

Fire safety report

The report outlines information on fire trainings, fire drills, evacuation procedures and fire safety-related policies, particularly related to on-campus residential facilities. It also notes that UM received a fire safety score of 92 out of 99 from the Princeton Review.

Each residential facility has a full sprinkler system as well as two fire drills each year. It also states UM has plans to upgrade to fire-related safety systems, including fire pumps, fire alarm panels and automatic fire sprinkler systems.

There were seven total fires from 2022 to 2024 in residential facilities.

Eaton Residential College: None reported

Hecht Residential College: 1 (2022)

Lakeside Village: 4 (2 in 2022, 1 in 2023, 1 in 2024)

Mahoney Residential College: 3 (1 in 2022, 2 in 2024)

Pearson Residential College: 1 (2023)

Stanford Residential College: 1 (2023)

University Village: None

In total, three of the fires were caused by electrical failure, two by cooking equipment, and one fire each by electrical equipment failure, machinery, arson and smoking. Five of the fires resulted in $100-$999 of property damage, while the other three had no reported monetary property damage.

One of the fires in Mahoney last year resulted in a portion of students being temporarily relocated to the THesis hotel due to subsequent damage from water sprinklers. 

“While the downward trend in incidents is encouraging, we remain committed to refining our strategies, strengthening community outreach, and investing in resources that help ensure the University of Miami remains a safe place to learn, live, and work,” the University said in a statement to The Hurricane.

In any emergency situation on campus, UM advises calling 911 first and then alerting UM. The last page of the report includes contact information for specific types of incidents.

“The University of Miami Police Department continues to strengthen campus safety through evidence‑based programs, upgraded security technologies, expanded emergency preparedness training, and close collaboration with campus departments and local law enforcement. Through our Crime Prevention Unit, we provide a variety of safety education programs, anti‑theft devices, and self‑defense and safety awareness classes.”

This includes 1 in Mahoney Residential College, one in Hecht Residential College (closed in 2022) and two in Lakeside Village in 2022 and one in Pearson Residential College, one in Stanford Residential College and one in Lakeside in 2023. In 2024, there were three reported fires (2 in MRC and 1 in Lakeside).

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