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One last shot: Carson Beck’s final stand

Omar Pinto
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One last shot: Carson Beck’s final stand

It’s late December 2024, Carson Beck and his Georgia Bulldogs are down three to Texas right before the half, looking to make a big play in the SEC Championship. 

Beck drops back, scans the field – and then boom. A Longhorn edge rusher blindsides him, sending Beck crumpling to the turf in front of millions.

Many wondered whether that would be the last of Carson Beck as a collegiate quarterback, yet nine months later, he’s starting for the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium against old rival Notre Dame. 

Beck’s story is one of patience, a story of triumph, a story of loss, and hopefully a story of redemption.

He began his collegiate career at Georgia in 2020, spending three seasons as a backup before bursting onto the scene in 2023. That year, he threw for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season and a CFP semifinal berth. 

Praised for his poise, efficiency, and low turnover rate, Beck led the SEC in passing yards and posted a 72.4% completion rate, lifting Georgia to wins over 4 ranked opponents, including Ole Miss and Tennessee. 

Heading into the 2024 season, Georgia was favored by many to win the National Championship, Beck was a Heisman hopeful, and projected first-round pick. But the season didn’t unfold as planned. 

All initially seemed well as Beck started his 2024 campaign strong, helping Georgia to a 3-0 start.

However, in week 4, Beck threw two costly interceptions in a 41-34 shootout loss to Alabama. A few weeks later, Beck looked uncomfortable against Ole Miss, unable to throw a touchdown as the offense stalled in another defeat. His overall season statistics dropped off, as he finished with 3485 yards, 28 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and his completion percentage dropped to 64.7%. 

This is a steep drop off for a pocket passer who relies on precision, timing, and decision-making. And while these stats are not bad, they don’t quite measure up to the success he had the year prior. Still, Beck’s 2024 campaign had its bright spots. He led the Bulldogs to wins over  No. 1  Texas, No. 18 Tennessee, and No. 14 Clemson before his season-ending ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury right before halftime against Texas in the SEC Championship. 

Looking further into Beck’s 2024 down tick, he also lost key weapons from 2023 in Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers to the NFL draft entering the season. Beck’s 2024 position group did not live up to its potential either, as Georgia’s receivers led the nation in drops, and the Bulldogs had their worst rushing output in 20 years. 

After the season-ending injury, Beck initially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. But concerns about his draft stock and elbow health led to a change of heart. 

On January 9th, he entered the transfer portal and stunned the college football world by committing to Miami just one day later. 

Photo by Mikayla Oliveira, University of Miami Athletics

With all of college football’s eyes on him, Carson Beck will look to follow in Cam Ward’s footsteps and lead the Hurricanes to a great season, which he is set up for perfectly. 

Beck is stepping into UM offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s system, which led the nation with 43.9 points and 537.2 yards per game in 2024.

Interestingly enough, the system helped propel QB Cam Ward to be a Heisman finalist and #1 overall pick in the NFL draft — positions which were expected to be held by Beck before the season. 

He is also surrounded by fresh talent as the Hurricanes have 4 returning starters on the offensive line, including All-ACC tackle Francis Mauigoa. Moreover, Beck will be throwing to a revamped WR room and bolstered by a solid 1-2 punch at the running back position with bruiser Mark Fletcher and speedster Jordan Lyle lining up behind him. 

With the group of weapons surrounding the veteran quarterback, Beck has the potential to lead the Hurricanes to a College Football Playoff berth. 

Beck’s journey from being a backup to star, then from uncertainty to Miami has been one of the most polarizing stories of college football in recent memory. 

Now, he has a chance to write his final chapter in Coral Gables, leading the Hurricanes in their quest to return to glory for the first time in over two decades. On Aug. 31, Beck will take the field at Hard Rock Stadium, facing off against Miami’s old rival Notre Dame to start his final ride.

Quarterback Carson Beck overlooks the field during Miami’s 2025 Spring Game. Photo by Lara Silva, University of Miami Athletics

Individuals documented abusing beloved campus duck, ‘Ivan’

Katie Karlson
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Individuals documented abusing beloved campus duck, ‘Ivan’

Disclaimer: This article contains graphic content. 

A video of an unidentified individual kicking a campus duck and a photo of another unidentified individual grabbing the duck by the wings started circulating around the UM community on the evening of Friday, Aug. 22. 

According to multiple sources, the duck in the photo and the video is the same beloved duck that the community has named “Ivan.” Ivan is notoriously friendly, frequently waddling up to students in hopes of food or water. 

“The duck in the photo and video have the same marking, so I’m not certain that it’s the same duck but I would assume so,” said Alexa Wood, a UPurr member and sophomore studying marine biology and ecology. “In the UPurr GroupMe, people were discussing Ivan and said that he was hanging around outside Daybreak and Smoothie King. Ivan is the only duck that would come up to me and not walk away when I got too close.” 

Ivan outside of Starbucks with caption from Alexa Wood over the image. // Photo credit: Alexa Wood

The muscovy duck species is an invasive species and UM has formerly made attempts to remove the ducks from campus. Apart from being non-native, some students find the ducks dirty and aggressive.

This is not the first time that UM’s campus has experienced animal cruelty allegations. In September of 2023, UPurr led an investigation after six cats were found injured on campus.

Many students are upset about the documented animal cruelty and are demanding action. Wood filed a complaint about the documented duck cruelty via the University Hotline.

“I filed a report because I don’t mess with animal abuse,” said Wood. “It could have been so easy to walk away faster, but by antagonizing the duck, the man in the video made the situation so unnecessary. Kicking it was even worse.”

The University is aware of these incidents and is investigating. 

“The University of Miami Police Department, the Department of Facilities and Operations and Human Resources are investigating the two incidents and taking appropriate action,” the University of Miami said in a statement to The Hurricane. “Harming wildlife is a criminal offense and perpetrators will be prosecuted. The University of Miami does not condone the mistreatment of animals as viewed in these deplorable acts.”

It is not yet confirmed if the duck has passed. Students suspect that the unidentified individuals may be UM or ABM employees because of their attire in the video and photo. 

The individual kicking the duck in the video is wearing a dark green polo and a lanyard, while the individual in the photo is wearing a dark blue shirt, similar to those of ABM. 

“I do think it was an employee,” said Wood. “In the video, the person is wearing a lanyard and that’s the token employee uniform.” 

Students also acknowledge that while the ducks can sometimes be intrusive, it’s no excuse to be cruel or abusive towards living creatures. 

“Even if he pecks at people, it’s important to remember that we share this campus with the wildlife,” said UPurr member Charlotte Watts. “It’s not just ours, and people shouldn’t be so selfish and cruel.” 

UPurr and other students are going to search for Ivan on campus today and continue pursuing justice for the duck. 

“Ivan was a beloved, very social yet harmless duck. He would go up to you to try to get your attention, but he would never hurt anyone,” said UPurr member Leo Fernandez. Fernandez was also the one who named this duck, earning Ivan a special place in everyone’s heart.

This article was originally published at 12:03 p.m.

This update was published at 6:52 p.m.

Ivan the duck is confirmed to be alive. Members of UPurr identified Ivan on campus and sent photos of the duck around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Hurricanes soar over FAU Owls in dominant 4-0 victory

Bella Armstrong
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Hurricanes soar over FAU Owls in dominant 4-0 victory

Under the bright floodlights of Cobb Stadium on Thursday night, the Miami Hurricane soccer team dominated the FAU Owls in a 4-0 shutout. 

Coming off of a 1-0 loss against UNC Asheville, the Hurricanes (2-1) returned to the field with a vengeance — and left entirely redeemed. 

Going into halftime, the score was sitting at 1-0 after midfielder Crosby Nicholson made an impressive goal on FAU in the 30th minute. The crowd buzzed with electricity and Hurricane pride. 

When the players returned to the field, the Owls were searching for an equalizer, but Miami’s defense never faltered. In the 51st minute, forward Brie Severns made the Hurricanes’ second goal of the night with an assist from midfielder Ciara Alcaron. 

After being brought in for Moira Flynn in the first half, freshman Noelle Simmons immediately made her presence felt. The forward scored in the 62nd minute, furthering the Hurricanes’ lead to three.

The Hurricanes celebrate after junior midfielder Crosby Nicholson’s goal at Cobb Stadium on Aug. 21, 2025. Photo credit: Gus Aspillaga

With 21 minutes left in the second half, FAU was still searching for a lifeline as the score sat at 3-0. After a shot on goal from forward Hailey Santiago, Miami goalkeeper Atlee Olofson made a diving save and sent the ball back into the Owls’ territory. 

In the 82nd minute, defender Eabha O’Mahony sealed the win with a brilliant strike that sent the ball flying over the owls’ goalkeeper’s head for Miami’s fourth and final goal. The Owls (0-2-1) showed great hustle, but in the end, were no match for the Hurricanes. 

The match saw two yellow cards, one presented to FAU’s Michelle Horan in the 65th minute and the other to Miami’s Sam Marella in the 66th minute.

The Miami Hurricanes will be back at Cobb Stadium Sunday August 24th at 1:00pm to take on the Jacksonville Dolphins. 

Conan Gray’s ‘Wishbone:’ Growing up, moving on, and making wishes

Marissa Levinson
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Conan Gray’s ‘Wishbone:’ Growing up, moving on, and making wishes

Conan Gray’s fourth studio album and latest release, “Wishbone,” is for everyone who has loved his music since the “Heather” days of his 2020 debut album “Kid Krow.” 

Now, a couple of records later, Conan Gray returns to his roots with a newfound maturity. The 26-year-old’s vocals, once youthful with imperfection, are now more crisp and defined, a testimony to him finding his voice artistically and in life. 

Addictive pop melodies make you want to instantly press replay initially. But give it a second listen and you’ll find that the lighthearted feeling has introspective lyrics that carry the weight of the singer’s heart. 

In the 12-track album, Gray opens up about the bittersweet taste of romance, the complexities of family and the motions of growing up, many themes relatable to a variety of listeners. 

The record opens with “Actor,” an immediate tone-setter for the rest of the songs. Upbeat, melodic, yet heavy and reflective, I don’t know if this song has a spot on my feel-good playlist or alongside melancholy songs to listen to on a rainy day. Maybe both. 

Within the first seconds of track two,, “This Song,”  I was reminded of “The Subway” by Chappell Roan. Though both songs have the same producer, the two still maintain unique sounds. “The Song”…

“Vodka Cranberry,” the second promotional single, puts the spotlight on Gray’s vocal range, with his high and low notes seamlessly intertwining into his signature sound. 

A cross between indie, rock, and with even some hints of country, “Romeo,” the fourth track, reminds fans Gray isn’t just a name in pop music. The song alludes to Shakespeare’s famous “Romeo and Juliette,” as Gray navigates a “poisonous” love.

“My World” takes fans back into the world of “Found Heaven,” but the world sounds better now. Gray’s hit-making talents have doubled since “Found Heaven,” his [second?] album, came out. “My World” has the same 80s feel, but with an execution more fitting to his modern artistry. 

He took an entirely experimental album and broke it down into qualities. Instead of applying every element into this project, he carefully selected a few from “Found Heaven,” some from “Superache” and some from “Kid Krow” to accompany the new of this album. 

“Class Clown” shows us who Conan Gray is – the memories that molded and haunt him. If there’s one song on the album written for his therapist, it’s this one. 

The acoustic guitar, gentle drums, and soft piano in the intro of “Nauseous” juxtapose the title. This song is an easy listen, like it deserves to be played in a quaint coffee shop down the street of a small town. It’s reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine’s music and Harry Style’s debut album. 

The passion in third-single “Caramel” drives the song. A creative acronym woven into the hook could be interpreted in multiple ways besides the given: “you’re caramel.” It’s an instant favorite for me. 

“Connel” quiets things down as the album heads for the end. It’s an emotional, acoustic ballad, but two and a half minutes in, a drum unexpectedly kicks in to pick the pace back up into “Sunset Tower,” a more playful, indie-pop track. “Don’t tell me,” the singer repeats. 

“Eleven Eleven” has some of the album’s most storytelling lyrics. It features the word “wishbone” and explains the title of the album eleven tracks in to keepfans on their toes.

The final track, “Care” leaves listeners on a high note, feeling like closure in song-form: sometimes healing, sometimes nostalgic, always complicated. Just because it’s over doesn’t mean you’re over it, and that’s okay. 

Gray’s lyrics have always been a distinct, impressive quality of his music, but they never carry his songs. “Wishbone” follows this pattern, with straight-forward, yet poetic lyrics, like pages from his diary. 

While this does significantly add to the rawness of the album, the instrumental choices and production set the overall tone for the record and progress the mood changes.

When he’s angry, the drums amplify, his vocals grow raspier like a deafening, freeing scream, and the tension escalates beyond the lyrics. In moments of self-reflection, the instruments quiet, and like Gray, the listeners are alone with their thoughts, leaving room to reflect.

Simply put, “Wishbone” works because of not just one aspect, but because of all of them. The way every lyric, vocal, guitar strum and kick-drum seams together is evidence that the album deserves any success to come its way.

Whether “Kid Krow,” “Superache,” or “Found Heaven” was your previous favorite album, “Wishbone” can be enjoyed by any Conan Gray fan. However, being a fan is key to appreciating the record.

Rating: 4.5/5

A weekend with The Weeknd

Gabriel Mena
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A weekend with The Weeknd

Traffic may have stolen Playboi Carti’s opening set from us, but the energy radiating from inside Hard Rock Stadium made it clear the night was only just beginning. As soon as we walked in, it was impossible to ignore the vibe: blacked-out fits, sleek accessories, and a confident attitude that felt unmistakably Weeknd-coded. The crowd looked like an extension of Abel Tesfaye’s world — sensual, stylish and ready to surrender to the night.

The stage was a spectacle. A sprawling, cross-shaped platform cut the floor into four parts, giving Abel access to every corner of the stadium. 

At its center towered a gleaming, 24-foot chrome “Sexy Robot,” a futuristic sentinel that anchored the night’s visual storytelling. Behind it all loomed the apocalyptic skyline of a fallen city — a backdrop that felt equal parts dystopian and cinematic.

Abel emerged masked, pacing the cross stage like a prophet stepping into his own mythology. The slow reveal of his face — mask slipping away little by little — only sent the crowd into louder screams, each glimpse met with a new wave of frenzy. “That’s a hot welcome,” he joked after wiping sweat from his face, but the smile said it all: Miami lit him up.

What followed was a seamless medley of era-defining tracks — “After Hours,” “Starboy” and “Heartless” — woven together so tightly the show felt like one continuous act rather than a stop-and-start setlist. The production matched the music beat for beat: hypnotic lights, surreal cityscapes and a restless energy that pulled fans deeper into the performance. The crowd itself was alive — dancing, jumping, screaming — as if the stadium was breathing with Abel.

Newer songs like “Take My Breath” and “How Do I Make You Love Me?” showcased his stage presence, soaring over pulsing visuals while he prowled every edge of the stage. Then came the classics that needed no introduction: “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Often,” and “The Hills.” Each drop sparked an explosion of sound, thousands of voices rapping and screaming as if these songs belonged to them as much as to him.

And then, the guests. Playboi Carti’s arrival sent the floor into chaos — bodies moving, voices cracking as he tore into “Timeless” and “RATHER LIE”. Just when the energy seemed at its peak, Future stormed the stage. 

The second he dropped into “Low Life,” the stadium was jumping and more so when they revealed the track was recorded in Miami. 

The set wasn’t without its softer touch. During “Out of Time,” Abel slowed his pace, walking stage-side to embrace a fan and sing with her — a quiet, disarming moment against the show’s colossal scale. Later, he teased the crowd: “Do you love me, Miami?” The response — a deafening, mostly female chorus of, “yes” — needed no second take.

By the time “Moth To A Flame” rang out, the show felt less like a concert and more like a fever dream of love, lust and release. The transitions were fluid, the visuals immersive, and the crowd’s devotion undeniable. From the towering robot to the post-apocalyptic skyline, every detail was designed to build a world — and for those few hours in Miami, it belonged to us.

Alix Earle tangoes onto ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Valeria Palladino
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Alix Earle tangoes onto ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Seems like the internet can’t decide, is it genius or a joke?

Some say “Dancing with the Stars” made a strategic move by adding Alix Earle – a possible major ratings booster. Others are asking, “Who is she?” 

It all started with a single announcement post followed by a wave of backlash. Comments like “she’s not a real star,”  “I wish they had chosen actual celebrities” and “the show is completely washed up” are only a few.

What do ’Canes have to say?

“I’m not opposed to the idea, I just think it’s different because, usually, it’s celebrities who appear on the show,” Gaby Abudoj, a communication studies major, said. “I’m intrigued to see how this goes. It’s an example of how someone who starts out as just an influencer can become something much bigger.”

Abudoj points out that Alix Earle started posting short videos on TikTok and is now being invited to celebrity-exclusive events and parties. Most people do know who she is, whether they want to admit it or not. This shows tremendous growth and it’s a lesson to all students that little videos can go a long way if done correctly.

Other students agree the move is tactical but question the consequences.

“It’s definitely a strategic move, no questions there. But they’re changing the whole idea of the show and who they invite after. Will it just be influencers in the future?,” Gaby Bueno, a senior at UM, said.

Bueno argued the core idea of  “Dancing with the Stars” is to pair professional ballroom dancers with celebrities. While celebrities can also be influencers, not all influencers are celebrities. 

If they start accepting influencers such as Alix Earle, what will this mean for the future seasons? It’s opening the door to more influencers, changing the whole point of the show. 

But not every student sees this as a negative thing.

Fernanda Terceros, a graduate student at UM, says that she loves Alix Earle but has never watched the show. Now, she has plans to binge the new season. “I think it’s really cool that she’s joining, I will for sure watch that,” Terceros said.

And the numbers don’t lie. People are tuning into the decades old show with its last season averaging one of their biggest audiences, around 6.36 million viewers. Meanwhile, Earle’s TikTok videos to her 7.5 million followers average 1 million likes. These rising stars seemed destined to collide. 

Valerie Marriaga, an industrial engineering senior, thinks it will be entertaining to see her progress throughout the show. She believes Earle’s presence will add not only entertainment value but also more behind-the-scenes content with her iconic “Get Ready with Me” Instagram videos and storytimes.

Most students agree that adding Alix Earle is a smart move for “Dancing with the Stars” in terms of boosting viewership, but not everyone likes what it implies for the show’s future. The debate isn’t really about who she is but what she is: an influencer. 

Eat at Havana in Tinta y Café

Contributing Writers
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Eat at Havana in Tinta y Café

Written by: Tatiana Pina and Chiara Ferreira

Recognized by the Michelin Guide and featured on Good Morning America, Tinta y Café brings Cuban culture to Coral Gables through an elevated experience, inviting you to connect with your community or any curious tourists. What looks like a small house from the outside creates an ambiance inside that feels like a family gathering.

Two siblings opened Tinta y Café in 2005 with a mission to elevate the iconic La Ventanita, a staple in cafecito and grab-and-go culture in South Florida. Perfect for a morning cortadito run, the walk up window honors vetantia tradition, yet still invites you to linger inside and take a dive into their rich menu and memorable space.

Inviting you to their warm and cozy interior, you can also choose to dine in at Tinta y Café. Though it tends to get very busy at noon, the wait to be seated is short. What seems like an homage to abuelitas jardín is an assortment of metal chairs, tables and shade provided by the palms to keep company while you get seated.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by the buzzing chatter of the families, coworkers and friends. When I dined in, I was shown to a long rounded dining table, also known as the communal table. This is another way the café encourages people to disconnect from their phones and connect. 

Other options for seating were small tables or the bar where you can see your Cuban sandwiches being made. They also have a lounge area with leather chairs and a small coffee table.

The space is covered with multiple trinkets and books that resemble Miami Art Deco and Cuba’s culture. You are more than welcome to read any of the books or simply start a conversation with the stranger next to you.

Tinta y Café’s menu is recognized by Michelin for its twist on Cuban culinary pressed sandwiches. Featuring some Cuban classics like La Patriá – a hearty stack of ham, pork, mortadella, swiss, pickles and mustard. Each sandwich is served with a side of plantain chips that add a savory crunch. They serve enough to make you full, but you’ll still crave more.

A barista making latte art at Tinta y Cafe on Aug. 18, 2025. Photo Credit // Samantha Rodriguez.

For dessert, I recommend trying their pastelitos and croquetas. A semi-sweet caramelized flaky exterior paired with its savory or sweet fillings are loved by the Cuban and Latin American people. Their croquetas have a breaded and fried , crunchy exterior and a savory creamy interior that practically melts in your mouth. 

If you ever find yourself having trouble choosing what to try on the menu, their amazing staff can suggest great options. The staff at Tinta y Café show you how much they value the café and what it stands for. 

On some days, you might even find Sachi, one of the founder’s daughters, working at the café. Their iced mocha is named after her, an ode to the drink she loved making and sipping on while growing up at the café.

In regards to pricing, you get what you pay for. All their food is reasonably priced and each dollar is worth it. Their sandwiches and salads typically range from $12 to $16 dollars, while coffees and juices range from $3 to $7 dollars and are 12 to 16 ounces. 

You should expect to spend an average $25 dollars if you want to try their coffee, a sandwich and a pastelito.

Overall, my experience at Tinta y Café was memorable and has quickly become one of my favorite third splaces to visit off campus. It’s a great place to bring friends and family visiting Miami, giving them an authentic taste of Cuban and Miami culture. The cafe embraces its roots while keeping their doors open to those who may want to explore.  

Say ciao to Cucina Fresca, UM’s newest dining option

Jenna Simone
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Say ciao to Cucina Fresca, UM’s newest dining option

With the start of a new semester comes busy schedules, long days and hungry students. Luckily, UM will be opening a brand-new dining option catering to Italian food lovers — Cucina Fresca.

Opening Monday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m., Cucina Fresca is located in the Hurricane Food Court, making it a convenient stop between classes or for a casual dinner with friends. 

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The restaurant’s hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m on Friday.

Italian cuisine hasn’t had a place at UM in the past, so students are excited to see what it’s all about.

“I actually didn’t know they were opening a new place in the food court,” said Karina Desai, a sophomore business management major. “I’m excited to try it since we haven’t really had that type of food on campus yet.”

The menu features Roman-style pizza with toppings ranging from classics like pepperoni to more gourmet options such as prosciutto, meatball, pesto and chicken. 

In addition to pizza, Cucina Fresca offers four different types of salads and paninis, including favorites like chicken parmesan and caprese.

“I’m gonna have to try each pizza option before the end of the semester. They sound good,” said Lucas Velasquez, a sophomore math major.

Pasta lovers can enjoy comfort dishes like baked ziti and mac and cheese with sides like garlic bread and soup. For those with a sweet tooth, the menu also features gelato in four flavors — vanilla, stracciatella, coconut and pistachio.

“I’m looking forward to the variety of options Cucina Fresca has,” said Ava Ferrara, a media law major. “The menu seems pretty spread out and has a decent amount of savory and sweet options for students.”

Cucina Fresca is already drawing attention as a flavorful new addition to campus dining. Italian cravings are finally getting their moment at UM.

Venetian Pool makes a splash with centennial renovation

Jenna Simone
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Venetian Pool makes a splash with centennial renovation

The iconic Venetian Pool, just minutes from UM’s campus, underwent major renovations ahead of its 100th anniversary. It is the only swimming pool listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so preserving its Mediterranean architecture and charm was important.

The city chose ecoFINISH®, a modern, high-performance pool coating company to complete the job.

In its early days of opening in 1924, it was called the Venetian Casino. The Venetian Casino came from George Merrick’s plan to create a city that would embody authentic hometown living. Merrick was a key figure in early 20th-century urban planning of Coral Gables.

He wanted to create a city with Mediterranean elements like grand entrances and plazas, complemented by homes in a matching architectural style. To execute this vision, the limestone on many buildings was taken directly from a quarry pit. Merrick, artist Denman Fink and architect Phineas Paist transformed that quarry into the Venetian Pool.

In the 1920s, the “Venetian Casino” was a destination for people of high social status, including movie stars. The pool was also a site for orchestra concerts and would be emptied so they could perform on the pool floor.

The Venetian Pool on March 19, 2011. Photo Credit // Ebyabe.

The recent renovations include installing a new water recirculation pump system, a first for the pool, which allows the city to maintain water quality without draining the pool daily. The system is a precautionary measure against potential issues like saltwater intrusion or water shortages. 

Restoration efforts also involve updating outdated pump equipment and renovating the concession area. Islamorada Pools, a Florida-based contractor with strong local ties and a track record of high-profile pool renovations, applied a new coating to seal the pool floor.

The project has reduced chemicals and water loss by 40%, making it a major sustainability win for the city and pool goers.

The pool continues to draw significant interest with nearly 65,000 visitors annually before its closure. The pool remains unique as it continues to be filled with thousands of gallons of spring water from the Biscayne Aquifer. 

The city of Miami plans to stay committed to maintaining the pool’s historical integrity while making it enjoyable for the community.

Exploring UM’s Scenic Campus… and Each Other

Contributing Writers
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Exploring UM’s Scenic Campus… and Each Other

Look, we’ve all been there. Even I’ve drunkenly dragged someone back to my room, only to find my roommate already twisting in the sheets with the night’s sidepiece of choice. For those times you’re desperate to get your jeans off and get into someone else’s, V has just the spot for you to hit the G. 

The arboretum 

If you don’t mind getting mosquito bites and poison ivy on your privates, this is the place for you. The cicadas compensate for the lack of mood-setting music, so your boo may not even notice you calling them by the wrong name.  

The stacks

If you’re down to play the silent game, give the stacks a whirl — and a view of your bare ass on the books. While I haven’t tried this one myself, I’ve heard the bookshelves provide some great support for your late night “study date.” And when it inevitably goes south, the stacks even has some great psychology books so you can read them and convince yourself you were gaslit. 

Third floor Shalala

The most luxurious of my suggestions, Shalala comes equipped with couches and a multi-million dollar view of Centennial Village. If you can manage the drunken trek up the two flights of stairs, Shalala’s back corner will welcome your open legs with open arms. 

Roof of Pavia

If someone has ever turned to you and said “I know a spot,” they’re probably trying to take you to their backseat for some backshots. Be warned, Lakeside residents can see everything even through your bae’s heavily tented windows. 

The IM Fields

Especially with the construction blocking the majority of the view, if you can manage to stumble your way onto the field this is the perfect place to keep your sneaky link sneaky. You won’t be the first person — and you certainly won’t be the last — to use the grass instead of a mattress. 

Your friend’s room

This one takes some careful planning and execution. If you’re getting kicked out of yours, double it and pass it to the next. Just kick your friend out of theirs! At the very least, make sure they have some noise-cancelling headphones on. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite nighttime companion and make some memories. They say experience is the best teacher, so get out and explore UM’s beautiful campus while exploring someone’s mouth. 

XOXO, 

V

Trump Administration requires universities to report applicants’ race, statistics

Elena Fallow
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Trump Administration requires universities to report applicants’ race, statistics

The Trump Administration ordered the Department of Education (DOE) to collect data regarding the race, gender, test scores and grade point averages of college applicants to assess whether universities are giving preference to minority applicants. 

The press release from the DOE states that “institutions of higher education will now have to report data disaggregated by race and sex relating to their applicant pool, admitted cohort, and enrolled cohort at the undergraduate level and for specific graduate and professional programs.” 

According to the press release, the data being collected are “quantitative measures of applicants’ and admitted students’ academic achievements such as standardized test scores, GPAs and other applicant characteristics.”

This directive grants the DOE the power to limit aid to institutions should they not agree to provide student information. This order follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision that effectively eliminated affirmative action in college admissions. 

In an interview with The New York Times, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said that this new order “will ensure meritocracy and excellence once again characterize higher education.”

On the contrary, UM sophomore Caleb Marcella, who identifies as Black and Latino, finds the Trump Administration’s new policy odd.

“I think it’s unfortunate and just plain weird,” Marcella said. “If a student is accepted, they were accepted for a reason not just because of their race.”

In an interview with The New York Times, Richard Kahlenberg, an advocate for class-based affirmative action who served as a witness for Students for Fair Admission in the Supreme Court case, said that he believes additional data needs to be included in this new order.

While Kahlenberg agrees that admissions transparency is important, he also warned that the White House’s order would be incomplete without taking into account the student’s socioeconomic status.

“By failing to request the socioeconomic data, it looks like the administration is going to take us down this very extreme path where a university that achieves racial diversity is suspect, even if it uses a race-neutral means like socioeconomic status,” said Kahlenberg. 

Research shows that a student’s test score closely correlates with his or her socioeconomic status. Statistically, Black and Latino students are more likely than white and Asian students to come from lower-income backgrounds. 

Despite this statistic, an anonymous student who identifies as Hispanic agrees with the Trump Administration’s decision. 

“I was a straight-A student in high school and had a lot of extracurriculars with leadership positions,” the student said. “I worked hard to earn my spot, and I am very passionate about learning more to help others in the future.”

While the student is proud of his or her heritage, the student is also proud of the accomplishments that lead to his or her to success. 

“We are all the future of America and should be chosen for college based on hard work, dedication and achievements instead of just our ethnicity,” the anonymous student said. 

Some people also believe that this new ruling is an opportunity for hard work and merit to pay off, but others are skeptical of the Trump Administration’s true intentions.

Stephron Allyson, a Black sophomore at UM, is unsure of the Trump Administration’s motivation. 

“Considering the other executive orders and issues [Trump] has had with other universities, I don’t think this new rule of requiring GPA and test scores is for the reasons being stated,” he said.

He believes there are holes in the administration’s explanation that leave room for questions.

“I feel like the decisions the Trump Administration made does not reflect any care or concern about the education of students,” Allyson said.

While the court ruled against affirmative action and admitting students based solely on the applicant’s race, it is still a factor that can be included in parts of a student’s application. 


The opinion of the court states, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

New year, new me: Live in the moment this school year

Paulina Barnjak
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New year, new me: Live in the moment this school year

One of the things I realized this summer was that I have lived almost 20 years of my life passing through each day like a broken record. I’d go on my phone and waste hours away perfecting my social media feed and looking at others. 

But when you barely have cell service in a foreign country for a month, you learn new things.  When you travel solo, you learn a lot more than you did before. I took the time this summer to recognize that our culture has been plagued with screens and that we often forget to look up and live. 

Yes, we have to use our phones and laptops for practically everything nowadays. It’s essential for modern day communication, schoolwork, jobs and entertainment. But screen time has overextended its limit. It has led us to become antisocial with our eyes attached to the screen. As technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, let’s remind ourselves of the real world and how we could live life to the fullest. It’s time to touch some grass, people. 

According to a survey by Harmony Healthcare IT, Gen Z is spending an average of 6 hours and 27 minutes on screens every day. Yikes. What I found to be even more interesting is that 72% of Gen Z believe that their mental health would improve if they were less addicted to their phones and 69% believe their social life would improve if they spent less time on their phones. 

Unsplash / Pixabay

So what are we waiting for? 

It is up to us alone to make the choice to live. We have become so dependent on social media to tell us how our lives work. One way I detached myself from doom scrolling was by forcing myself out of my comfort zone in order to learn. 

This summer, I jumped completely out of my comfort zone and into a new world. I went solo traveling even though I get homesick constantly and I went skydiving even though I’m terrified of heights. 

According to a Harvard study, completing a short term achievement —  something like competing in a 5K when you don’t like running — can leave you feeling confident and resilient. If you’re not growing or learning to try new things, you’ll never fulfill those long term dreams. Facing my fears made me completely more confident in my abilities to lead and socialize. 

I’m not saying you should totally throw your personality and all the things you love out the window. I’m saying the opposite; expand on it. 

If you’re into deep stories that you’ve read online while sipping your morning coffee, go to Books & Books cafe and pick up a genre you’d be interested in. If you love health and fitness, get off that treadmill and jog a new path around Coral Gables every day. If you’re interested in learning a hobby such as painting or salsa dancing, what’s stopping you from taking that first step? 

You can still learn from your phone every day. You can search up YouTube videos on how to bake the perfect batch of cookies, or even appreciate nature and your dream vacation spot through a ten second video on Instagram. But it will not be as real as that sunrise yoga class you decide to take on the beach or deciding to reach out to a new friend and explore the city together.

Learn new things the authentic way. Stop trying to live life through your phone thinking, “someday, that’ll be me.”

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