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Senator Rick Scott secures victory for Florida Republicans

Seyda Pevey
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Senator Rick Scott secures victory for Florida Republicans
U.S. Senator Rick Scott Speaks with attendees at The People’s Convention at Huntington Place in Detroit, MI on June 14, 2024.
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via WikiMedia Commons.
Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell speaks to the press after her loss to Sen. Rick Scott on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Photo Credit: Marra Finkelstein.

Sen. Rick Scott secured a second term in the now-Republican-majority U.S. Senate while apprehension now fills supporters of his challenger, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.  

For many, this election between Scott and Powell for Senate represented more than a contest between two candidates — it was a debate over core values and the direction of the state on issues like reproductive rights, immigration and economic stability. 

Scott’s supporters view his firm stance on conservative policies such as abortion and the border wall as essential to protecting the state’s future, according to his campaign website. However, Powell’s website advocates for progressive change focused on healthcare, reproductive rights, environment and social equality. 

Following the announcement of the results, Powell addressed her supporters at the watch party her campaign hosted at the JW Marriot.  

“I am so, so fortunate and privileged to have had this incredible opportunity to be the nominee representing the Democratic party here in the state of Florida, to give Florida a new view on what we could do together,” Powell said. “And there were millions of Floridians who came out today to say no más, millions of Floridians that wanted change for the state of Florida, but today we were not successful.”

After his win, confirmed late on Nov. 5, Scott was projected by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill to have vote shares of 55.6% versus 42.8% for Powell and chances to win at 72.7% compared to 27.3%. 

Sen. Rick Scott

From his watch party in Naples, the former Florida governor emphasized the political activism of his supporters. 

“There’s a lot of people to thank; there’s a lot of people who knocked on doors, made phone calls, did texts. We had a lot of people just busting their butts,” Scott said. 

Following his term as governor from 2011 to 2019, Scott has served in the U.S. Senate for 6 years after defeating Bill Nelson in the 2018 election. 

According to his campaign website, Sen. Scott’s Rescue America Plan has 12 points detailing his values of protecting Americans from “the militant left” who are “redefining America and silencing their opponents.” 

Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, Scott says he is “fighting to stop the reckless government spending and the devastating inflation it has caused in Florida… combat the extreme danger posed by Communist China … [and] secure our border and stop the flow of drugs, terrorism and illegal immigration into our country.”

Prior to engaging in politics, Scott was CEO of the world’s largest healthcare company, now known as HCA Healthcare. It was shortly after his leave in 1997 that the hospital company was fined $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud, prompting the U.S. Department of State to call it the largest government fraud settlement in U.S. history. 

The Miami Herald reported that Scott said he would have immediately stopped his company from committing fraud — if only “somebody told me something was wrong.” But there were such warnings in the company’s annual public reports to stockholders — which Scott had to sign as president and CEO. 

James Biasoni, a senior majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering, shared his thoughts.

“I voted for Rick Scott because I have personally met him, and liked my interaction with him, and the speech he gave before that felt very personable,” Biasoni said.“I heard that he is very against abortions and has defunded planned parenthood in our state multiple times. I am also pretty sure he is a part of the reason marijuana hasn’t been able to be legalized in so long.” 

Sophia Plan, a senior pursuing a degree in ecosystem science, geography and sustainable development, shared her contrasting thoughts. 

“I f——g hate Rick Scott. He’s a slime and has put Florida back politically for so long,” Plan said.

Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Powell ran against Sen. Scott because “democracy, our economy, and our rights are all on the line — and Senator Rick Scott has failed Floridians.” 

Trading violence and uncertainty in Ecuador for a brighter future in the U.S., Powell helped support her family and went on to expand affordable healthcare during her time in Congress. 

Accepting her loss at her watch party, Powell offered words of reassurance to her supporters.

“We will take our state to the right track, we are not going to give in, we are not going to give up. I will continue to keep my eye on the prize, and I want all of you to do the same,” Powell said.

According to her website, Powell has highlighted her interests of reducing inflation, protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering health care costs and protecting women’s rights to healthcare and abortion during her campaign. 

Atha Stephenopoulos, a senior majoring in political science and international relations, described how significant a win for Powell could have been.

“She’s good, very important for women’s rights. Florida has been backsliding into conservative and anti-environmental policy when now more than ever it needs someone progressive and pro environment,” Stephenopoulos said. “If Florida wants to be a rival and Wall Street of the south, it needs policies that make it attractive to a liberal and highly educated workforce — laws around protecting women’s rights, the environment.”

The elephant in the room: Hispanic votes turn Republican

Mel Tenkoff
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The elephant in the room: Hispanic votes turn Republican

By: Sophia Ibanez & Mel Tenkoff

The 2024 election saw a shift in Hispanic voting patterns, with increasing support for Donald Trump reflecting significant political drifts towards the Republican party within minority communities across the U.S.

This unexpected increase in commitment from Hispanic voters contributed to Trump’s victory, despite his previous rhetoric condemning immigrants for “poisoning the blood of our country.”

Key support from the Cuban, Puerto Rican and South American population in the swing states helped Trump to boost his share of the Hispanic vote nationwide, increasing it from 32% in 2020 to 45% in 2024, according to the Miami Herald.

The results of this presidential election reflected this trend, with Miami-Dade County flipping red for the first time since 1988 along with Trump projected to win every swing state. The GOP also secured a Senate majority and maintained control of the House.

Trump was able to secure the minority vote, which led him to his victory.  

In Florida, the Hispanic population of approximately 5.7 million is predominantly made up of Cubans (28%), Puerto Ricans (21%), South Americans (18%) and Mexicans (14%), based on research performed by the University of California, Los Angeles.

Within this diverse demographic, votes do vary between being for conservative and liberal candidates. However, Republican support among Hispanic voters has increased by 10 points since 2018, continuing an over decade-long trend of the nation’s largest ethnic minority moving in a conservative political direction, according to NBC News.  

Isabella Boyer, a Cuban-American senior at the University of Miami, shared a similar view.

“The Republican Party works to provide the American dream while the Democrats have sunk all hope of living the American dream via their economic policies and open border policies,” Boyer said. “Many of Kamala’s plans align with those of a communist. Cuban Americans recognize this pattern and vote Republican.”

However, not all Hispanic individuals align with these values. Historically, Puerto Rican voters on the mainland have leaned Democratic, with approximately 68% of Florida’s Puerto Rican population supporting President Biden in the 2020 election, according to Axios Miami. 

“I say I’m actually more moderate-left leaning, and so is my immediate family,” said Sofia Mateo, a Puerto Rican junior at the University of Miami. “My parents grew up in Connecticut, and my family is Puerto Rican. Their life experiences with their local government and peers definitely shaped why they’re more left-leaning.”

Although polls predicted that Trump would lose thousands of Hispanic voters after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe said that Puerto Rico is a “floating island of garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, he received 45% of the Latino vote nationwide.

“I would say that I am moderate because of the values taught by my family, but as I get older, the life experiences I have definitely have shaped what I believe now. Before, during high school years, I was more Democratic, but now, going through college, I would say I’m more moderate,” Mateo said. 

At the University of Miami, the student body is comprised of 24% Hispanic students.

Given this demographic, President-elect Trump’s strict border and immigration policies have sparked significant controversy both at the University and within Miami-Dade County since his candidacy and recent victory.

According to NBC News, the former Immigration and Customs Enforcement director during the Trump Administration, Thomas Homan, said that he would “run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen” when Trump returns to office in 2025.  

Eddie Hernandez, a Cuban-American University of Miami student, shared his beliefs on this matter.

“I believe immigrants coming should be documented, but [Trump’s policies] are a little extreme and I don’t see a way they could be humane,” he said, in regards to Trump’s immigration policy being excessive and focusing more on enforcement rather than creating pathways for immigrants to enter legally.

“Every single developed country requires some sort of documentation in order to go there. For example, students going abroad need a student visa,” Hernandez said. “I just believe the border should be tighter, but it’s not inhumane for people to come in the right way.”

For many Hispanic students at the University of Miami, their families endured great challenges to immigrate to the U.S. from communist regimes like Cuba.

Boyer proudly shared her family’s history, which is a large factor in why she identifies as a conservative. Her grandparents, who are originally from Cuba, fled to the United States in the hopes of escaping the communist regime under Fidel Castro. 

“My family came from Cuba many years ago to escape communism and live the American dream. My family is proud to be Cuban American and did it the right way to become citizens of the United States and live the American dream.”

Boyer’s views and experiences align with others of similar descent, including Rep. Carlos Curbelo, who served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 26th congressional district from 2015 to 2019.

According to the Washington Examiner, Curbelo said that “Trump ‘goes out of his way to celebrate the country in a way a lot of Hispanics can relate to,” while “Democrats consider fundamental injustices and structural abuses in American society.”

Amendment Four failed but your voice still matters

Katie Karlson
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Amendment Four failed but your voice still matters

In an unfortunate turn of events, Florida’s Amendment 4, a proposal to expand abortion rights, did not pass. This incredibly disappointing result can lead to great risks for women. 

A law passed by Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibits the majority of abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and a separate provision requires parents to be notified of a minor receiving an abortion. Amendment 4 proposed adjusting Florida’s constitution to protect the right to an abortion up to viability, which is set at 24 weeks of fetal development. The Florida government would also not be able to interfere if a woman and her healthcare providers decided an abortion was medically necessary after the 24-week mark. 

For Amendment 4 to pass, 60% of voters needed to vote “yes,” but the amendment fell just short of the mark. Out of the ten states that had amendments on the ballot proposing expanded abortion rights, seven states passed them. Florida, South Dakota and Nebraska were the outliers. 

Passing Amendment 4 would have been the smart choice for women’s health and safety, and this decision not to decrease government interference in abortions can hold larger implications for privacy laws. 

The 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade established that the U.S. Constitution protects an individual’s right to privacy, including an abortion. This ruling is in line with the Fourteenth Amendment’s declared right of liberty. When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, the decision on abortion rights was given back to the states.

The Florida constitution’s section 23 also clearly outlines a right to privacy, but the Florida Supreme Court did not interpret this to include the right to abortion, so the six-week restriction was implemented. 

Now more than ever, your vote for Florida’s governor and Supreme Court judges matters. Their interpretation of privacy can dictate your rights to your body. 

The six-week abortion ban that now remains in place does not allow time for most women to realize they are pregnant and make an informed decision about their options. According to the American Pregnancy Association, most women realize they are pregnant between weeks four and seven, which means many women don’t know in time or have very little time to make an informed decision. 

Making matters worse, a major issue with this timeframe is that pregnancy is actually calculated from the date of a woman’s last period. It is not uncommon to have a few days difference in each month’s menstrual cycle. So, a woman can think her period is just a little late and not realize she is pregnant until just before or after the six-week deadline. 

For women who discover they are pregnant after six weeks, they have virtually no options in Florida, and even women who learn of their pregnancies before the six-week mark are placed in a difficult position. Particularly in cases of unintended pregnancies, those women would only have one-two weeks to decide if they want to proceed with the pregnancy or get an abortion. This is not nearly enough time to make such a complex decision, never mind needing to take time off work, schedule the procedure and other logistics. 

Still, proponents of a six-week abortion are likely concerned with ensuring abortions occur before viability. However, the CDC determined that in 2021, 96% of the abortions were performed at or before the 15-week mark, 3% occurred between 16 and 20 weeks and only 1% of abortions were performed at or after the 21-week mark, proving the worry about viability extremely rare. 

For those concerned about the small percentage of abortions occurring after the 21-week mark, the National Library of Medicine conducted a study to find the reasons women get abortions in the third trimester. They discovered two main reasons: The woman learned new information about the pregnancy or she was unable to get an abortion sooner due to barriers such as cost or lack of accessible care. 

Data shows that the vast majority of women seek abortions early in the pregnancy and for thought-out reasons. MedicalNews Today states that the choice to get an abortion is influenced by a variety of factors including financial, timing or partner-related reasons. 

Severely restricting access to abortions will only cause more harm than good. According to the World Health Organization, restricting access to abortions does not decrease the number of abortions, it only makes the abortions unsafe. 

Additionally, placing restrictions on women’s healthcare starts us on a slippery slope of limiting privacy rights in general. 

Historically, privacy, as defined by the Supreme Court, ensures people can make their own decisions regarding sexual partners and marriage, including interracial and same-sex marriage. Going down this path of restricting privacy in the form of limiting women’s abortion rights could put many other things we consider private, such as marriage, in the hands of politicians.

I don’t want the government interfering with my access to medical care, my rights to sex or marriage, or my body. Neither should you.  

Finally, in a lot of ways, imposing strict restrictions on abortions is an attempt to control women and their bodies while hiding behind the guise of saving a baby’s life. These restrictions are not a solution to prevent women from aborting viable fetuses, because women are rarely doing so in the first place. 

To those who voted “no,” on Amendment 4, please reconsider your stance on abortion laws. With such tight margins, every voice matters. To those who voted “yes,” we are so close. Florida voters, you must vote those with your privacy and rights in mind into Florida offices. Our bodies, our choice.

Crickets on campus: UM’s eerie silence around Election Day

Madeline Darby
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Crickets on campus: UM’s eerie silence around Election Day

The day after the election, my public relations professor walked in front of the class and  proceeded to warily ask, “Do we want to talk about politics?” He was met with crickets. In a lecture hall of about 100 students, no one spoke.

In such a polarized, politically charged time, political discourse on campus is noticeably lacking, especially compared to other large universities. A few weeks before the election, a Trump rally at Penn State University reached such high attendance that it had to be shut down before he could take the stage. On the other hand,  the first signs of political discussion I saw at UM happened the day before the election.

It may seem like students at UM don’t care about politics, but that’s not necessarily the case. 

The quiet on our campus doesn’t reflect a lack of care around the election, it reflects a fear to voice one’s opinions. The political polarization that divides our country fuels a harmful cycle that is apparent on our campus: many refuse to consider or listen to opposing viewpoints, which in turn makes others reluctant to voice their opinions, choosing silence to avoid conflict.

“I’ve observed that our campus is pretty quiet about a lot of political topics even in my business classes.” Said sophomore economics major Olivia Pretto. “It is more of a thing that is joked about rather than talked about in a serious manner.”

Teachers have commonly adopted the phrase, “I try to keep politics out of my classroom,” or use similar lines to avoid any related topics. If our own teachers, our role models and leaders on campus discourage debate, why would students actively seek it outside the classroom?  It seems as if the discussion has become one that is socially unacceptable.  

It doesn’t help that the University didn’t allow any official watch parties on campus. The Rat closed early on election day, discontinuing its tradition of election watch parties. By doing so, UM suppressed opportunities for open discussion, discouraging students from discussing politics on campus. Even POL 401, the Election Class, was forced to cancel its election night party, despite a semester of engaging students in political conversations. 

“I don’t think it’s the university’s right to not allow students to come together to watch the election, especially for a political science class,” said Ella Lundgren, a freshman studying political science. “I think the university is trying to minimize contention within the two political parties and the student body.” 

A university is a space where learning, collaboration, and debate are at the heart of knowledge and growth. Discouraging discussion hinders the learning experience for many by preventing students from gaining insights from others and from learning how to interact with those they disagree with — a valuable life skill.

Discouraging debate in times of elections only deepens the divide in our country. It’s time we learn, especially as college students beginning to vote, how to engage in respectful discussions, rather than reverting to methods of self-censorship and avoidance.

According to a Pew Research study in 2021, 59% of Americans say having conversations with people they disagree with is “stressful and frustrating,” and the Cato Institute says 62% of Americans have “political views they are afraid to share.” 

Amercans often won’t even date people who support the other political party. A series of studies have shown that less than 10% of all marriages and romantic couples in the U.S. are politically “mixed.”

Americans also struggle to form relationships because of this. In 2020, the Hill reported that only 21% of marriages involve spouses from different parties. That was down by almost a third since 2016. 

Given the hostile language surrounding this election, students often fear expressing their opinions, knowing they could be met with either agreement or aggression. 

Inside Higher Ed reports one-third of students are scared to share their political opinions on campus for fear of negative repercussions like losing friends or damaging their reputation. For some students, discussing politics is like walking on eggshells.

There’s no denying that this election carried significant weight with social justice issues at the forefront of debate, making it personal for many. However, as adults, we should be able to listen and respect our peers because close-mindedness is just as harmful as silence.

This silence we saw on campus before and after the election poses an important question: How do we start the conversation again? 

It starts with respect and understanding that no one is going to agree with you 100% of the time. We must work to make campus a safe space for conversations where we can learn to navigate our differences, not just for elections, but for life.

America needs real leadership, which neither candidate delivered

Ethan Mannello
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America needs real leadership, which neither candidate delivered

If the 2024 election showed Americans anything, it is that this country needs a real leader. The United States needs a president who will not only calm the toxic discourse and unite us as a country, but who will implement effective and efficient policies. 

According to Pew Research, only 53% of Americans believe the “American dream” is still possible, and Gallup says that Americans are more depressed than ever measured.

Food prices have risen 28% in five years, according to Nerd Wallet. Pew also reports that income inequality in the United States continues to grow, and a Bankrate Survey reported only a quarter of Americans feel completely financially secure.

Abroad, the U.S. is involved in two massive proxy wars, sending aid and weapons to both Ukraine and Israel. Those conflicts could both spill over into broader wars throughout Europe, the Middle East and even the world. China continues to increase its power and influence, flexing its military muscle by threatening an invasion of Taiwan. In South America,  authoritarian regimes continue to strengthen their hold. 

These problems call for a real American leader to rise to power. Unfortunately, leaders who can unite us with calming rhetoric and effective policy are scarce in the U.S. today. Take the two candidates who just ran for the highest office. 

While Donald Trump may have won commandingly on election night to become the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004, the president-elect is incapable of the leadership required to unite and inspire the country. His rhetoric is so divisive and even disgusting that it will never be able to bridge the deepening partisan divide. 

Just in his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has pledged to “root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country,” while also questioning his opponent’s racial identity, competence and much more. 

His presence on the political scene also causes a visceral reaction from many of those who dislike him. During the campaign, left-wing politicians and media spent the majority of the election painting Donald Trump as a threat to democracy and a fascist leader, even going so far as to compare his rally at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27 to a Nazi rally held in 1939 at the same location.

This extremely negative reaction continued even after the election was called. On The View, host Sunny Hostin claimed Latino Texans voted for the former president because of “misogyny and sexism,” while MSNBC host Joy Reid scolded white female voters for “not coming through” for Harris. 

Whether you agree with these sentiments or not, Trump and his supporters seem to bring out the worst in many media figures and liberal politicians, including his opponents. President Joe Biden had to clarify comments where he appeared to suggest that Trump supporters were “garbage” and Hillary Clinton famously called his supporters a “basket of deplorables.” Attacking Trump supporters by comparing them to Nazis or garbage does everything but unite the country. Unfortunately, it is popular rhetoric when referring to Trump and his support base.

Vice President Kamala Harris did not offer Americans a much better option. Her failure to win the election highlights her inability to appeal to independent voters or traditional Republicans who are frustrated with Trump’s behavior. She was also an important part of the Biden Administration, which failed to produce effective and efficient policy. 

During the Biden/Harris administration, inflation hit a four-decade high of 9%, the country experienced a massive Southern border crisis and a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan left 13 U.S. troops dead. When asked on the campaign if there was anything she would do differently Harris responded, simply by saying, “not a thing comes to mind.”

An Oct. 2-4 study for the Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll shows 60% of voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. Gallup reports that Biden’s presidential approval rating has consistently hovered around 40% and almost 50% of the country had a negative opinion of Harris at one point in her term, according to the Hill. 

Biden and Harris’ rhetoric may have been more calming and uniting than Trump’s, but their policies failed many Americans. They did not give America confidence in their governing ability or the path forward, a massive shortcoming in leadership and a main reason why Harris wasn’t re-elected.

That brings us right back to my point. This country needs a real leader. Not someone who will just calm the discourse, like Biden and Harris might have done, or someone who will bring economic prosperity and peace, like Trump somewhat did in his first term.

We need someone who can do it all and more. Someone who does what is best for the American people and the world, not what is best for their party or themselves.

Someone who can unite us at home so that we can fix chaos abroad because no country, even one as powerful and influential as the United States, can properly address the chaos outside its borders if there is chaos within them.

Most importantly, we need someone whose policies are effective at improving the lives of the American people and in turn has the trust of those people. 

Neither of the candidates on this year’s ballot met those requirements, but there is still hope.

Governors like Pennsylvania Democrat Josh Shapiro and Virginia Republican Glenn Youngkin have come to power in states that don’t often elect members of their respective parties, but they have posted impressive track records along with strong approval ratings. 

Both may run for president in 2028, but until at least then, this country will be without the leader it so desperately needs.

Miami WBB squeaks by with 74-71 win over Jacksonville

Sarah Landau
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Miami WBB squeaks by with 74-71 win over Jacksonville

Monday night basketball was quite the fouling frenzy for both Miami and Jacksonville, with the teams combining for 56 fouls as the Hurricanes narrowly defeated the Dolphins, 74-71.

While the Hurricanes entered the game with their strong starting five, they struggled to maintain their calm, as Jacksonville pushed them to use nearly all of the shot clock time on the offensive side.

Miami kicked off the first quarter with high tension, battling the Dolphins for loose balls and scrambling to get shots off. Both Miami and Jacksonville entered the bonus for fouling and took turns taking charges in the paint to add to the rugged game. The ’Canes were ultimately able to control their lead and bring the first quarter score to 22-17.

In the second quarter, Hailey and Hanna Cavinder began to click with one another and were able to create looks for each other, along with the rest of the team. The game remained tight for most of the quarter, but Miami’s free-throw abilities gave it the points that ultimately determined the outcome of the game. The team shot 85.71% from the foul line, making 24 of its 28 attempts.

Graduate student guard Hanna Cavinder dribbles the ball at Watsco Center against Jacksonville University on Monday, November 11, 2024. Photo Credit: Lorelei DiSanto, @loreleis_lens, Contributing Photographer

Heading into the third quarter, the Hurricanes’ lack of rebounding tightened the score to a 42-42 tie, and fans were at the edge of their seats with each foul called by the referees. Miami’s offense improved in the second half of the game, however, and the team was able to run plays that led them to the hoop.

The fourth quarter was closely contested. Mississippi State transfer guard Darrione Rogers nailed two free throws with seven seconds remaining to extend Miami’s lead to three. Dolphins guard Edyn Battle missed the game-tying three-pointer on the possession thereafter, cementing the UM win.

Graduate student forward Natalija Marshall waits for the free throw to try to get the rebound against Jacksonville University at the Watsco Center on Monday, November 11, 2024. Photo Credit: Lorelei DiSanto, @loreleis_lens, Contributing Photographer

Graduate forward Natalija Marshall led the way for the Hurricanes. The Notre Dame transfer scored a career-high 24 points, grabbed six rebounds and went 13-of-14 from the free throw line. She led the team as a force both offensively and defensively.

Looking ahead, the Hurricanes travel to Gainesville on Saturday at noon to face the Florida Gators.

Remembering acclaimed producer Quincy Jones

Brendan Cafferty
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Remembering acclaimed producer Quincy Jones

Legendary songwriter, producer, and jazz trumpeter Quincy Jones died in his Bel Air home on Nov. 3, at the age of 91.

Born in Chicago to a carpenter father and musically gifted mother, Jones’ early life was complex. He was uprooted at a young age when his mother developed schizophrenia in the late 1930s to live with his father and maternal grandmother, and eventually, stepmother who did not provide adequate care for him and his brother. 

In his early 20s, Jones began his career as a trumpeter, and gained attention when he transitioned into songwriting and composing.

Working with renowned artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Lesley Gore and Aretha Franklin, Jones established himself as a prolific recording producer.

What made Jones’ career, however, was his involvement in the career of Michael Jackson

He first worked with Jackson on the set of “The Wiz,” a theatrical adaptation of the Broadway musical starring Jackson alongside Diana Ross and Richard Pryor. As a music supervisor, Jones would go on to produce multiple of Jackson’s albums.

Jackson’s album “Off the Wall” came a year after the release of “The Wiz” in 1979. Jones produced the album, which was nominated for two Grammy’s in the R&B genre.

He would go on to produce two more albums with Jackson, “Thriller” and “Bad.” “Thriller” remains the highest selling album of all time.

With Jackson and other musical superstar, Lionel Richie, Jones would produce the charity-fueled single “We Are the World,” which united a group of celebrities to raise money for famine in Africa.

In his illustrious career, Jones has won the third most Grammy Awards of any single artist at 28, behind only Georg Solti and Beyonce.

The charisma and musical talent that Jones possessed granted him the ability to collaborate with, and build the careers of some of the most recognizable faces in the music industry. 

In the process, Jones was able to assist in the revolutionization of the pop genre. His legacy will forever be intertwined with great recording artists and the music that shaped his, and future generations.

JHAYCO kicks off tour in rockstar fashion

Gabriel Mena
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JHAYCO kicks off tour in rockstar fashion

As JHAYCO’s signature bat sounds echoed through Miami’s Kaseya Center, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The stage, dominated by three large Xs with the center one having stairs, sets the scene for what would be an electrifying kickoff to JHAYCO’s tour on Nov. 1. 

Fans dressed to match JHAYCO’s rockstar style with some sporting torn jean shorts, a tank top and a half-worn flannel. JHAYCO’s signature phrase,”¿Me sigues o no me sigues todavía?” reverberated through the venue as guitarist Humero slowly introduced the beat to “Vida Rockstar.”

The show hit the ground running with an impressive opening sequence. A massive silver bat on screen, its wings and body acting as mirrors reflecting live feeds of JHAYCO’s performance, created a striking visual backdrop that paid homage to his Batman-inspired brand. 

The decision to follow “Vida Rockstar” with “Holanda,” one of his biggest solo hits, proved masterful as the crowd erupted into an uproar, not missing a single word. By the time the beats of “Tarot” and “Mamichula” filled the venue, JHAYCO had the audience hooked.

The production value shined throughout the night, with thoughtful lighting choices enhancing each track’s mood. 

During “Fiel (Remix),” strobe lights filled the venue, while “512” featured a dramatic lighting cloud with thunder effects. 

The venue shook during “Memorias” as fireworks exploded on stage and blue lights swept the arena. 

The show’s rockstar aesthetic was particularly evident during “Corazon Roto” and “En la de Ella,” with Humero’s guitar work adding an authentic rock edge to the reggaeton beats.

Special guest appearances punctuated the evening, with Beele performing “Frente Al Mar” and El Alfa igniting the crowd with “4k” and “La Mamá de la Mamá.” 

The energy reached new heights when De La Rose returned to the stage, having earlier opened the show, to perform her viral hit “QUE VAS HACER HOY?” beneath pink lights, the crowd nearly drowned her out.

Emotional moments weaved through the high-energy performance, particularly during “Joe,” a heartfelt dedication to his ex-girlfriend Mia Khalifa, who was present in the audience. 

“Medusa” showcased a rock-infused version with green smoke and fire illuminating the stage, while “Le Clique” and “No Entiendo” demonstrated JHAYCO’s prowess as a performer.

The show built through more crowd favorites like “Pa Siempre,” “58” and “Ley Seca,” before JHAYCO paid homage to his roots with “Imaginaste,” introducing it with a nod to his former stage name, Jhay Cortez. 

The night culminated with an explosive performance of “Dakiti,” transforming the arena into one massive celebration as blue flames danced across the screens.

While the hour-and-forty-minute performance showcased JHAYCO’s impressive catalog and commanding stage presence, hardcore fans might have noticed the absence of key tracks like “FANTASMA | AVC” and “Tokyo.” 

The limited representation of songs from his latest album, which shares the tour’s name, and the missing “Viene BASQUIAT…” – a track he’s cited as a personal favorite and precursor to his next album – left some wanting more. 

Additionally, while Humero’s guitar work added a rock edge to the evening, the absence of a full band setup with drums and bass somewhat limited the promised rockstar tour aesthetic.

Despite these shortcomings, JHAYCO’s tour kickoff proved why he’s one of Latin music’s most dynamic performers. His declaration, “Yo no soy un loco, yo soy un rockstar,” rang true throughout the night, even if some fans wished the rock elements had been pushed even further. 

The combination of his magnetic stage presence, carefully curated setlist and production values created an unforgettable evening that undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tour. 

Miami Volleyball secures thrilling comeback win over Wake Forest

Sarah Landau
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Miami Volleyball secures thrilling comeback win over Wake Forest

On a calm Sunday afternoon, the Knight Sports Complex was anything but quiet as the Hurricanes defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in a four set action-packed match. After a three game win streak, it was unclear whether or not the ‘Canes would continue their success into Sunday’s game, but their outstanding performances allowed them to add a win to their belt.

The first set was definitely a rocky one for the ‘Canes, as they lost 25-20 without much of a fight. They were able to regroup, though, and were fueled by the energy of the crowd and the excitement of each point. 

Heading into the second set, the Hurricanes became more of a threat to the Demon Deacons. Miami easily put Wake Forest away 25-18 and propelled them into the intense third set. Paula Guersching’s five service aces and nine digs helped the team immensely and gave them insurance in key moments of the match.

The third set proved to be a critical turning point for ‘Canes fans, as their cheering and excitement boosted momentum for the players and gave the team the confidence they needed to win the set. The game became lively, the players began to feed off of the fans, and they seemed to be having more fun on the court than in any other set.

After being down 24-20 in the third set, Dalia Wilson’s kill made the first step towards the set comeback. Fans held their breath as each point went back and forth until finally the ‘Canes took the set with a score of 30-28.

Going into the fourth and final set, Miami let some of its energy go and was playing with a more calm demeanor, but it was Grace Lopez’s challenged kill that brought the score to 15-13 (Wake Forest) and drove the team straight to victory.

Much of the team’s success was a direct result of Flormarie Heredia Colon’s performance. She put on a show for eager fans with 19 kills, 11 digs, and three aces. 

Miami heads to Dallas for its next match at Southern Methodist University on Friday, Nov. 15.

Miami MBB sends Binghamton home packing in a 88-64 win

Zach Cohen
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Miami MBB sends Binghamton home packing in a 88-64 win

Miami’s 48% field goal percentage led to an 88-64 victory versus the Binghamton Bearcats on Sunday afternoon at the Watsco Center.

The Hurricanes were led by Indiana natives Jalen Blackmon and Nijel Peck. Pack and Blackmon’s backcourt connection ran strong all afternoon, leading to both players having 17-point performances.

“We have a really dynamic backcourt, I would say for sure, the ability for both of us to shoot the ball around the court and just kind of playing off each other,” Pack said about the connection between Blackmon and himself.

Blackmon and Pack’s presence certainly helped the Hurricanes come out victorious; however, this game wasn’t a cakewalk.

“Leading into this game on Friday, we weren’t sharp in practice at all. Yesterday, [practice] was a little better. First half today was a little better than that, but the second half was not there. Mostly inconsistently at the defensive end. Our defense in the first half was pretty solid, but in the second half, we gave up too many threes, too many layups,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said.

Binghamton’s Gavin Walsh, a 6-foot-8 forward from Maryland, scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds. Ben Callahan-Gold also had a notable performance for the Bearcats, totaling seven points, four rebounds and two assists in the losing effort. 

Binghamton came out hot in both halves. Miami will have to avoid getting out to slow starts like these against better opponents as the season progresses.

“We have to pick up the energy level. Honestly, we were dead. They came out ready to play, and we knew they would do that. And you just need to be able to pick it up and things were able to turn around for us,” Pack told reporters.

The freshmen were a big reason why the Hurricanes were able to turn the game around this afternoon. Five-star prospect Jalil Bethea hit a three-pointer from downtown at the 10-minute mark in the first half, which initiated a momentum shift in Miami’s favor. Bethea ended the game with 13 points, going five-for-five at the free-throw line. 

Divine Ugochukwu, coming off a great debut against Fairleigh Dickinson, where he scored 15 points, was a key contributor to today’s victory. With time winding down in the second half, Ugochuwu made a statement one-handed slam, leaving his teammates and the crowd in a frenzy.”

“If you see, those freshmen are earning playing time. You see what Jalil did. You see Divine comes into the game and plays really well. And then Austin [Swartz] comes into the second half, and the first thing he does is bury a three, so we’ve got to figure out the role those guys are going to play,” Larrañaga said.

The freshmen certainly helped out in winning today’s game, but basketball is a team game, and Miami certainly showed that. UM had four players in double figures and nine players scored.

Brandon Johnson, the East Carolina transfer, scored 10 points and tallied seven rebounds. In the second half, he drove hard to the basket, creating contact that resulted in a foul and a basket setting up the three-point play. Matthew Cleveland had nine points, including an alley-oop dunk, which put the fans on their feet.

The ’Canes will be back in action at the Watsco Center on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. to take on Coppin State.

Georgia Tech pulls off the upset, serves No. 4 Miami its first loss of the season, 28-23

Jayden Gonzalez
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Georgia Tech pulls off the upset, serves No. 4 Miami its first loss of the season, 28-23

With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-1, 5-1 ACC) were searching for their fourth double digit comeback victory of the season against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-4, 4-3 ACC). 

Down five, Miami quarterback Cam Ward was sacked and lost the football while trying to make a play. That turnover led the fans at Bobby Dodd Stadium to storm the field, as the Yellow Jackets upset the Hurricanes 28-23 on Saturday afternoon.

“They played better and coached better than we did,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said to WQAM radio.

Miami had a chance for one last effort following the fumble. On third down, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King flipped the ball to Eric Singleton Jr., who picked up the first down and slid in bounds to keep the clock running. King took a knee, ending the game.

Georgia Tech won this afternoon because of a dominant rushing attack against the Miami defense. The Yellow Jackets controlled over 34 minutes of game clock, running the ball 48 times for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior defensive lineman C.J. Clark getting set during Miami’s game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 9th, 2024, in Atlanta. Photo Credit: Kameron Taylor.

“They did what they do,” Cristobal said to reporters about the Yellow Jackets’ run game. “It falls on all of us, the way they ran the football.”

At the beginning of the second quarter, King hit a wide open Malik Rutherford for a five-yard touchdown. That score capped off a 17-play, 74-yard drive that lasted nearly 11 minutes. In that drive, GT ran the ball 14 of 17 times, a trend that continued for the rest of the game.

The Yellow Jackets cycled between both King and true freshman quarterback Aaron Philo. King did most of the running while Philo came in to throw, although that was rare. 

King finished the day completing all six of his throws for 32 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, King ran 20 times for 93 yards and a touchdown.

The ’Canes looked off offensively on Saturday, something that has not been the case for the best offense in college football. UM converted 30% of their third downs and 25% on fourth downs. Entering this game, UM was the best on third downs and ninth in the country on fourth downs.

On a fourth and long, Ward needed 16 yards to extend the drive and put a dent in their 12-point deficit. After trying to extend the play, Ward was sacked as Miami failed to convert on fourth down for the third consecutive time.

Ward finished the day completing 25 of his 39 throws for 348 yards and three touchdowns and one fumble. The fifth-year senior passed Steve Walsh for most touchdowns in a single season by a Miami quarterback, with 30.

“I just think we didn’t play our best ball,” Ward told reporters after the game. “At the end of the day, we’re the best offense in the country, and we put up 23 points.”

Down 12, the Hurricanes needed a score to have a chance at completing another comeback. On first down, Ward found a wide open Xavier Restrepo for a 38 yard score, bringing the deficit to five. 

Senior wide receiver Xavier Restrepo staring down defender in the end zone after catching a touchdown during Miami’s game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 9th, 2024, in Atlanta. Photo Credit: Kameron Taylor.

At the beginning of the game, Ward hit Restrepo for a 21-yard gain. That catch broke Mike Harley’s record for most receptions ever by a Miami player, with 183. Restrepo finished the day with four catches for 78 yards and one touchdown.

UM has played the “Cardiac `Canes” mantra all season long, leading them to a 9-0 start to the season for the first time since 2017. There were obvious concerns that UM had yet to fix, relying on Ward and the offense to be flawless because of the porous defense. 

It took a 25-point comeback to take down California in Berkeley, an overturned hail mary against Virginia Tech to escape defeat, a heroic performance from Ward against Louisville and outscoring Duke 36-3 for this Miami team to stay undefeated.

For the second time in the Cristobal era, Georgia Tech beat an unbeaten Miami team. The 2023 ’Canes lost to the Yellow Jackets in improbable fashion, sending them into a spiral of losing five of their next six. 

The 2024 ’Canes hope this loss doesn’t show parallels to 2023 or even 2017, where Miami lost three in a row after starting the season 10-0.

UM still controls its own destiny to make the College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes will make the ACC championship game if they win their next two against Wake Forest and Syracuse. A win in the ACC championship game would clinch a playoff berth for the ’Canes. 

The Hurricanes will be able to regroup next week after the loss with a bye. UM’s next game will be on Nov. 23 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Hard Rock Stadium.

REVIEW: ‘The Substance’ is disgustingly beautiful

Zachary Rosenbaum
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REVIEW: ‘The Substance’ is disgustingly beautiful

“The Substance” (2024) is a grotesque body horror film–a horror subgenre focusing on the human body’s transformation in a graphic way–portraying Hollywood’s obsession with allure and youthfulness. The film does this by showing the downfall of the lead character and her beauty because she never appreciated her own. 

Director Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore film is about Elisabeth, played by Demi Moore, who strives to find anything to make herself appear more youthful. In doing so, she encounters “The Substance.” 

After taking the drug, a more beautiful and younger version of herself, Sue, played by Margaret Qualley, is created. The film explains this as that the user must give each a week between themself and the clone. If they abuse this, the substance will punish them. 

“The Substance” is a daring film that strives to be different while promoting feminism in Hollywood. It examines Hollywood’s demeaning beauty standards. 

Moore serves a career-defining performance. She brings the pain of Hollywood’s mistreatment of elder adults. Her performance works so well with the dark twist of how the substance can take away from you. 

The film’s visual aesthetic is enthralling. The bright, vibrant colors mixed with the creepy body horror elements put a new spin on Cronenberg’s style. The grotesque style of the film’s vibrant colors makes it visual candy, but simultaneously with the visual horror. The harsh contrast between the two elements makes the film’s visual style so interesting. 

The cinematography of the film is intriguing yet unsettling. Every scene gets under your skin while still managing to be visually pleasing. The close-up shots of each character are up close and personal, especially when Harvey (Dennis Quaid) comes onto the screen.

Harvey represents the sleazy, disrespectful side of Hollywood. Every scene with Harvey is beyond uncomfortable. Between the weird sounds to the up-in-your-face cinematography, the film is performing a masterclass on how to get under the viewer’s skin.

The screenplay of the movie guides the direction of the film masterfully.  Whenever a new character is introduced, there is an unsettling title card for each one. Those cards set the movie’s tone.

Overall, “The Substance” is one of the best body horror films in years. With vibrant direction and disgusting practical effects, Fargeat crafts some of the most memorable images in the film that will stay with you after watching. 

Rating: 4.5/5

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