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Women’s professional baseball returns to its historic roots in Springfield

Arielle Lopez and Dani Vega
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Women’s professional baseball returns to its historic roots in Springfield

Illinois is home to sock monkeys, cornfields and horseshoe sandwiches. Historically, it’s also the home of women’s baseball. 

In 1875, the field that would later become Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Il. hosted one of the first Women’s Professional Baseball games. Nearly 70 years later, it became the birthplace of a league designed to keep America’s pastime alive during World War II.

Philip K. Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, wondered how his franchise — and the league itself — would stay afloat after more than 500 MLB players left to fight in the war.

Then, Wrigley’s idea blossomed: Women would play the game to keep baseball alive in homes across the country. 

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was founded in May 1943 with four teams to start: The Kenosha Comets, Racine Belles, Rockford Peaches and South Bend Blue Sox.

Women were required to wear short dresses, lipstick, and were not drafted if they “didn’t fit the part.” 

“Wrigley wanted pretty women who hit like men,” said Anna Sielaff, a historian at the Illinois State Archives.

When World War II ended in 1945, many male players returned to professional baseball. With Major League Baseball back in the spotlight, interest in and support for the AAGPBL declined, and the league disbanded in 1954. 

This weekend, the history of the game will be changed forever, in the same place it was once founded. 

On Saturday Aug. 1, the Women’s Professional Baseball League will host its inaugural Opening Day at Robin Roberts stadium.

Honoring the 72-year gap in women’s professional baseball, the WPBL will have Maybelle Blair —  one of the last living baseball legends from the AAGPBL — throwing out the first pitch. 

Blair has been an advocate for women’s professional baseball since the league folded. 

Even after leaving her professional baseball career, she continued speaking, mentoring, fundraising and promoting opportunities for girls, which included becoming a founding member of the International Women’s Baseball Center in Rockford. 

The league’s inaugural draft included Kelsie Whitmore, the first overall pick in the WPBL draft and the first woman to play in the Atlantic League; Ayami Sato, a six-time Women’s Baseball World Cup gold medalist for Japan; and Florida native Joey Leguizamon, the ninth overall pick.

For these ladies, it’s a fresh start. 

Some played alongside men collegiately and in independent baseball. Others have taken to the entertainment aspect of the game with Banana Ball, the rapidly rising exhibition professional baseball league. 

Most only compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s Women’s Baseball World Cup, where players often receive stipends, travel vouchers and sponsors for uniforms, depending on the team. 

Now, these players will finally be able to achieve the highest level of playing in their career: signing a contract, receiving a salary and putting on a uniform that represents equality. 

A League of Their Own, once again. 

“This is what they do, and they’re very serious about what they do,” said Matt Williams, manager for the San Francisco Firebells, one of the WPBL’s four teams.” They realize they are the first, and they’re happy about it.  Anybody that comes to the stadium that watches personally will see that passion that they carry,” 

A league where girls won’t be “forced” into playing a sport that’s not exactly their dream. “Historically, women have been forced into sports like softball because it’s ‘easier,’ ’’said Sielaff. But for these girls, they’re breaking that barrier, with a full circle moment back in Springfield. 

As Opening Day is in full swing this weekend, fans can watch every WPBL game this season on ESPN Select.

Photo Credit: Arielle Lopez & Dani Vega, contributing writers // The Beyer Stadium, one mile from downtown in Rockford, Ill., was the home of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League’s Rockford Peaches from 1943 to 1954.

A’mir Sears — college football’s next two-way star commits to Miami

Sebastian Font
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A’mir Sears — college football’s next two-way star commits to Miami

Not satisfied with what was already a consensus top-five recruiting class, the Miami Hurricanes have landed a verbal commitment from A’mir “A1” Sears — one of the most unique high school football prospects across the past few cycles.

Previously the number one overall player in the 2028 class, the high school phenom announced his intention to reclassify into the 2027 class earlier this week.

And despite reclassifying a year ahead of schedule, Sears remained a five-star prospect industry-wide as a two-way phenom at wide receiver and cornerback.

The South Florida superstar has the video game-like ability to make highlight reel plays all over the field in the same way college football’s last two-way star — Heisman winner Travis Hunter — did .

At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Sears possesses some of the best ability in the country on both sides of the ball.

Last season at West Broward, he notched 61 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions on defense to go along with 49 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense.

As a cornerback, Sears has it all. 

He’s a physical, rangy defensive back who is unafraid to take risks to make plays on the ball whether it’s in the air or on the ground. Additionally, Sears uses his strength and wingspan to knock opposing wide receivers off their routes and gets his hands in the air to swat passes away.

While less polished as a wideout, the same athleticism that lets him shine on the defensive end stands out offensively.

Sears has an innate ability to win jump balls at a high clip despite his relatively wiry frame, reeling in circus-style catches along the sidelines. And, while less flashy, he brings a consistent pair of hands to target in open space before using his speed to make defenders miss.

But what’s most impressive about Sears is his instincts — a style of play which garners comparisons to the best prospects of the last few cycles, especially South Florida ones.

Like future teammate Malachi Toney and fellow 2027 Miami WR commit Nick Lennear, Sears’s name is like the stuff of legend in the South Florida football landscape.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer/Freshman Reciever Malachi Toney running the ball toward the endzone after a redzone catch on November 15, 2025.

Sears announced his commitment live from Dick’s House of Sport in Dadeland Mall, where he was surrounded by hoards of media, little league football players and Canes fans.

Unlike the previous decade, top South Florida Talent is staying home. And as Sears put it himself, he’s teaming up with Toney and Lennear to “bring a natty back home.”

And while wide receivers coach Kevin Beard and cornerbacks coach Terry Jefferson playfully joke with Sears that they’re gonna convince him to join their side of the field, the five-star athlete has a real green light to play both sides at the next level.

“The bond I have with [Miami’s] coaching staff is special,” Sears said to the media following his announcement.

Ahead of what will now be his final high school season following his reclassification, Sears transferred to Christopher Columbus High school. And while former players such as defensive standout Bryce Fitzgerald haven’t been able to enroll early, all signs point toward the two-way star enrolling at the University come December.

Sears becomes Miami’s 21st commit after choosing the Hurricanes over the likes of Texas A&M, LSU and Michigan, further cementing a statement class for head coach Mario Cristobal which now boasts five different five-star prospects.

Mahoney-Pearson demolition in full swing

Katie Karlson
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Mahoney-Pearson demolition in full swing

The demolition of Mahoney-Pearson is in full swing, with cranes and construction vehicles on the site.

To learn more about what Gables Village, the residential complex replacing the demolished freshman dorms, read The Hurricane’s article here.

The Mahoney-Pearson construction site on the afternoon of Thursday, July 30. // Photo credit: Antonio Mora.

Fall 2026 admissions become less competitive, higher admissions and lower test scores

Elena Fallow
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Fall 2026 admissions become less competitive, higher admissions and lower test scores

Statistics from the fall 2026 applicant cycle reveal that the acceptance rate is above 20% for the first time since 2020 and standardized testing scores decreased. 

According to the 2026 fall applicant class profile, the University of Miami received 54,218 applications and admitted 11,961 of those applicants, making the acceptance rate 22%. 

That is an increase of 4.5 percentage points from the fall 2025 applicant cycle’s acceptance rate.

This rise in admissions comes after 2025’s record high of 58,139 completed applications. Prior to this year’s 6.74% decrease in applicants, UM had been experiencing an upward trend.

The decrease could be related to the newly-reinstated requirement to submit standardized test scores, which has not been mandatory since 2020. 

Rising sophomore Angelica Santeliz was among the last class admitted under the test optional policy and was glad she did not submit her scores.  

“While I feel like I still would have gotten accepted if I submitted my scores I don’t think I would have received the same scholarship that I received without submitting my scores,” she said. 

Santeliz feels that not submitting her scores allowed for her academics, GPA and extracurriculars were a better reflection of who she is as an applicant rather than test scores.

Incoming freshman Isabella Alvarez also felt that her standardized test scores could have impacted her chances of being admitted. 

“Standardized testing has never been one of my strengths, so when I found out scores were required again, it made the entire admissions process more stressful for me,” Alvarez said. “I felt like I had to work harder to make sure every other part of my application was as strong as possible to balance out a score that I did not feel represented me.”

According to Best Colleges, other selective universities across the country experienced a similar decrease in applicants during the applicant cycle that standardized testing was reinstated. 

Schools like Dartmouth and Yale experienced a 11% and 12.5% decrease in applicants, respectively, and also experienced an increase in acceptance rate.

In a statement to the Hurricane, the University of Miami briefly touched on why it decided to reinstate the requirement for standardized test scores.

“The University of Miami is proud to welcome the new cohort of students for the 2026-27 academic year. Our data shows that this admitted class is high-achieving and academically strong in many areas. The higher education landscape continues to shift as institutions adjust to ongoing changes. The University of Miami continues to assess these changes and review available data as part of its admission process.”

The last time standardized testing was required, in 2020, the middle 50% ACT superscore was 30-33 and the middle 50% SAT superscore was 1300-1500. Once scores became optional, the middle 50% SAT margin increased and narrowed, while the middle 50% ACT remained mostly consistent. 

After reinstating standardized testing, UM’s middle 50% ACT superscores decreased, dropping from 30-34 in 2025 to 28-33 in 2026. The middle 50% of SAT superscores for admitted students remained mostly unchanged from last year.

Construction limits where resident students can park, causing confusion and frustration

Hannah Valdivia and Katie Karlson
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Construction limits where resident students can park, causing confusion and frustration

Students living in Lakeside Village, Centennial Village and Eaton Residential College will only be allowed to park in the Mahoney-Pearson Garage for the upcoming year, forcing students to walk farther to their cars and compete for more limited spaces. 

The Pavia/Levante Garage (Pink zone), the Albenga Garage (Blue zone) and the White zone — the surface parking around Mahoney-Pearson — will be closed for resident student parking. For students who frequently need to travel off campus, such as someone with an off-campus job, these restrictions will pose a major inconvenience.

Screenshot of the walk from Eaton Residential College to the Mahoney-Pearson Garage (left) versus the walk to Pavia Garage (right). // Screenshot via Apple Maps.
Screenshot of the walk from Lakeside Village Lobby C to the Mahoney-Pearson Garage (left) versus the walk to Pavia Garage (right). // Screenshot via Apple Maps.

These changes will be in effect on the first day of classes, August 17, 2026, and commuter students will remain unaffected. Throughout the construction, Pavia and Levante Garages will remain open for Pink permit holders. The University Village Garages – Albenga and Scodella – will remain open for UV permit holders. 

“This change is necessary due to ongoing campus construction and the loss of parking capacity, including the White lots,” read the email sent by the University of Miami Office of Parking Transportation on July 23. In a clarification to The Hurricane, Parking Transportation stated that White lots will be entirely closed — even to non-resident students — “until further notice.”

Given that the Mahoney-Pearson Garage is nearly 100,000 square feet — or approximately 34% — smaller than Pavia, it is unclear how the garage is going to accommodate everyone. However, resident students with a Pink permit were previously allowed to park on certain floors of the Pavia Garage, so the square footage difference may not be entirely resident student parking.

In a statement to The Hurricane, the University wrote that the garage “has sufficient capacity to accommodate resident parking needs while remaining near the residential communities it serves.”

However, the University declined to directly answer questions about how many parking spaces are in each lot, or how many spaces students will lose due to construction.

“Because resident student vehicles typically remain parked for extended periods, the Mahoney-Pearson Garage is well-suited for dedicated residential parking while preserving flexibility in other high-demand parking areas across campus,” said the University. 

According to the University’s email sent on July 8, student parking passes for resident and returning commuter students went on sale on July 14 and July 28, respectively. New commuter students will be able to purchase parking passes beginning on July 30. 

“I think what UMiami did with parking is a huge inconvenience to students,” said sophomore resident student Hannah Salles. “I can’t imagine how they’re going to fit us all in one parking garage. It was already inconvenient to find a spot last year.” 

Students can access their parking account and apply for a parking permit here. At the time of publishing, the Red lot was already sold out. 

Before campus parking permits went on sale, not all emails from Parking and Transportation said that Eaton students would be impacted by the construction. However, based on the statement the University provided to The Hurricane, it appears that Eaton residents will face the same restrictions.  

None of the emails from the University mention THesis residents, who have not yet received any parking information, according to a student assigned to THesis. However, students living in THesis are considered resident students and will also be limited to the Mahoney-Pearson Garage when parking on campus.

In addition to parking lot changes, there will be a new feature on the UMiami app that allows students to see real-time parking availability across all open lots on campus. This feature will go live on August 15. 

In a separate email from the University, a third change to campus parking and transportation was also mentioned. 

Effective August 1, motorized micromobility devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes and e-skateboards “will not be permitted to be operated, parked, stored or charged on the Coral Gables campus.” 

There will be designated micromobility parking will be located on the perimeters of campus for students who require them. 

This article was updated at 4:49 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, July 30, to clarify information as per the University of Miami Office of Parking Transportation’s request.

After weeks of extensions, Haitian Temporary Protected Status runs out

Gianni Echeverria
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After weeks of extensions, Haitian Temporary Protected Status runs out

After three separate court-ordered extensions, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti officially ended on Monday, July 27. Miami-Dade County, home to almost 113,000 Haitian residents, is likely to feel the impact of TPS ending. 

Haiti was designated for TPS in 2010 when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the nation. The designation was continuously renewed and extended across administrations, citing the ongoing natural disasters and humanitarian crises. 

However, on June 25, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has the authority to terminate TPS and lower courts are unable to block these decisions. 

The core of this ruling hinges on Section 1254a(b)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority decision, emphasized that this provision states there is, “no judicial review of any determination … with respect to the designation, or termination or extension of a designation.”

“Congress created TPS in 1990 to provide short-term humanitarian relief … Although designed to afford temporary relief, TPS designations in practice have often lasted for decades,” said Alito.

After multiple extensions totaling 25 days, TPS for Haiti officially ended this week. 

Many politicians in Miami-Dade County have been vocal about their disapproval of the decision. 

“Ending TPS is not just an immigration issue. It is also a workforce and economic issue that will hurt Miami-Dade,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These are our neighbors, coworkers, and the people who followed the law and have helped build our community. Miami-Dade stands with our Haitian community.”

North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme has also been critical of the decision to end TPS. North Miami is home to the largest concentrated Haitian population in the U.S. 

“This decision immediately impacts more than 350,000 Haitian TPS holders nationwide, many of whom have built their lives in South Florida. For these Haitian families, this ruling creates uncertainty about their future, their livelihoods, and their ability to remain in the communities they have called home,” said Desulme. 

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has said individuals should continue monitoring its TPS Haiti webpage for updates as the litigation continues, though officials caution that reversal at this stage is unlikely absent new congressional action.

Louis Tomlinson concludes the North American leg of How Did We Get Here? World Tour at Watsco Center 

Keira Faddis
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Louis Tomlinson concludes the North American leg of How Did We Get Here? World Tour at Watsco Center 

Just one day after One Direction’s 16 year anniversary, Louis Tomlinson wrapped up the North American leg of his ‘How Did We Get Here?’ World Tour at University of Miami’s Watsco Center. 

If you had told 10-year-old me that I would one day see each member of One Direction perform solo, I would have, one, never believed you, and two, never believed the band wouldn’t actually come back from its supposed 18-month hiatus.

Before Tomlinson took the stage, concertgoers were treated to performances from two different opening bands. The first band was UK-based indie-rock band Picture Parlour, followed by Canadian rock band The Beaches, who both warmed up the crowd with energetic sets. 

The crowd’s excitement only grew once Tomlinson took the stage with “Lemonade,” the funky, upbeat lead single off of his album, “How Did I Get Here.”The stage featured moving screens and utilized lasers to keep the energy up all night. 

A few songs later, during “Sanity,” fans in the pit started a conga line, while two inflatable soccer balls bounced around the audience and occasionally made their way on stage. 

Tomlinson’s unmistakable accent stood out to me throughout the night. Having seen numerous British artists perform live over the years, I’ve noticed that many sing with a more neutral accent. Tomlinson, however, somehow still sounds undeniably British, giving even familiar lyrics an extra bit of personality that made the performance feel uniquely his.

Honoring where he got his start, one of my favorite moments of the night was when Tomlinson played “Night Changes,” a song from One Direction’s album, “Four.” I was reduced to tears and I am immensely grateful to have heard the song live. 

As the final song came to a close, Tomlinson walked along the front barricade to greet fans one last time. In the process, he lost his overshirt to the crowd, a fittingly chaotic ending to the night.

As fans slowly made their way toward the exits, “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s played throughout the arena. It was the same song Tomlinson auditioned with on The X Factor in 2010, a subtle, nostalgic nod to bring the night full circle. 

Sixteen years after One Direction’s formation, the North American leg of his tour ended with the song that helped start it all.

UM student hospitalized due to alleged fraternity hazing, 3 arrested

Katie Karlson
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UM student hospitalized due to alleged fraternity hazing, 3 arrested

Three men were arrested for allegedly beating two members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Richmond-Perrine (FL) Alumni Chapter, including a current UM School of Law student who was hospitalized with significant injuries.

The beatings — performed with paddles and canes — began on April 1, according to “Victim 1’s” statement in the arrest warrants obtained by The Hurricane. 

Victim 1 was an undergraduate student at UM when he started attending “interest group meetings to become a member of the campus chapter,” according to the warrants. In February 2026, he passed the admissions test and paid dues for membership into the national Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. 

Since he was a UM School of Law student and not an undergraduate, he became a member of the Richmond-Perrine Alumni Chapter. 

In an email to The Hurricane, UM’s Kappa Alpha Psi president clarified that the UM Iota Chi fraternity chapter is not associated with this incident. Chapter Advisor Katdo Robinson confirmed this.

Jared James (26) and Elijah Dyous (29) were booked on Friday, July 24, and Marquez Christopher Pinder (29) was booked on Sunday, July 26, in relation to the alleged hazing. 

Jared Lamar James’s mugshot. // Photo via Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation.
Elijah Delano Dyous’s mugshot. // Photo via Broward Sheriff’s Office.

According to jail records, each individual is facing felony charges of:

  • Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm
  • Two counts of attempted manslaughter with a deadly weapon
  • One count of hazing with a deadly weapon

Pinder graduated from Florida Atlantic University and has worked for the U.S. Secret Service for nearly three years, but has since been placed on administrative leave. Victim 1 stated that Pinder was the “dean of pledges” and James was the “vice dean of pledges” of the fraternity Richmond-Perrine Alumni chapter.

Marquez Christopher Pinder’s mugshot. // Photo via Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation.

Kappa Alpha Psi is one of nine fraternities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The NPHC fraternities and sororities are historically Black and commonly referred to as the “Divine Nine.” The University of Miami has all nine chapters on campus. 

According to the Hartford Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, the fraternity outlawed pledging — a process where prospective members of a Greek organization are sometimes forced to complete tasks or can be subjected to hazing — and does not support hazing. 

Victim 1 explained that the beatings took place at an apartment in Sweetwater from April 1 through April 3, then continued at a different location in Miami on April 4. 

Sweetwater Police did not learn about the ongoing abuse until April 22, when Officer Marvin Gamarra responded to Jackson South Medical Center for the alleged hazing incident. 

On April 1, the first day of the alleged beatings, Victim 1 and Victim 2 met with Pinder and James and were tested on fraternity history while in a “half squat with one arm pointed forward.” Pinder, James and Dyous allegedly struck the victims throughout the process. 

During a bathroom break, Victim 1 said that he saw Victim 2 appear to urinate blood, and Victim 1 informed Pinder, who dismissed the claim.

April 4 was the most intense day, according to Victim 1, with the three defendants using paddles and canes to hit the victims. That day, Victim 2 bled through his pants and Victim 1 was instructed to observe him for injuries, resulting in the discovery of “lacerations on [his] buttocks,” according to the warrants.

After that night, Victim 1’s health deteriorated, and he experienced “vomiting, fevers and immense pain on his buttocks.” He went to an urgent care facility before being transferred to Jackson South Medical Center.

At Jackson, doctors found that Victim 1 suffered severe trauma causing areas of his buttocks to turn necrotic. He had large portions of skin and soft tissue surgically removed, received skin grafts and still endures pain and discomfort from the experience. The warrant notes other serious injuries that, if left untreated, would have resulted in renal failure and death.

Within the Richmond-Perrine Alumni Chapter, Victim 2 is the chairperson who educates new applicants before their membership testing. While Victim 2 denied being subjected to hazing, he admitted to receiving emergency care in April. 

His medical records also showed “extensive medical treatment” from April 6 through April 24, and that he was intubated during his stay. His injuries mirrored those of Victim 1.   

The University of Miami provided The Hurricane with a statement, clarifying that neither UM nor UM’s fraternity chapter is involved in the incident beyond the fact that one of the victims is a student.

“Other than the fact that one of the victims is a University of Miami School of Law student, this incident has nothing to do with the University of Miami or the University of Miami chapter of the fraternity,” said the University in a statement to The Hurricane. “Out of respect for the victim’s request for privacy in this matter, we have no further comment.”

This is a developing story.

Proposed Coral Gables agreement could give Miami athletics more room to grow

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Proposed Coral Gables agreement could give Miami athletics more room to grow

The University of Miami submitted a land-use proposal to the city of Coral Gables in June that could have wide-reaching effects if approved — especially within the athletics program.

UM’s athletic department is entering an increasingly expensive era of college sports. As schools face growing financial demands surrounding NIL, revenue sharing and facility expansion, growth around the University could provide Miami with additional resources to invest in its athletic programs.

One of the major aspects of the proposed 30-year agreement is an increase in the undergraduate enrollment cap to 17,500 students before additional city approval is required, a 35% increase from the current undergraduate cap of 13,000.

The agreement would also make a future hospital along the U.S. 1 corridor possible, although the University has said no hospital plans are currently in the works.

The proposal includes several other changes to the University’s relationship with Coral Gables, including rezoning three properties located near Titanic Brewery and Restaurant from the Commercial Low-Rise Intensity designation to the University Campus category and transferring 5.52 acres of land, valued at an estimated $50 million, to the city for Centennial Park, which would become Coral Gables’ largest publicly owned green space.

The potential for expanded enrollment and medical development, however, could have the greatest long-term implications for Miami athletics.

An increase in enrollment would expand the University’s alumni base, creating a larger network of potential donors and supporters for the athletic department and NIL collectives.

Despite a current undergraduate population that’s dwarfed by some of the other top NIL spenders in the country like Ohio State and Texas A&M, Miami has remained competitive in the “pay-to-play” era. Ohio State has approximately 50,000 undergraduate students, while Texas A&M has more than 62,000.

The potential financial impact of the 217-page proposed agreement, however, extends beyond enrollment.

UHealth, South Florida’s only academic-based health care system, is owned and operated by UM and is a major part of its financial structure. In fiscal year 2025, the University reported $3.293 billion in net patient revenue from its hospitals and clinics, compared to $767.7 million in net tuition and fee revenue.

The possibility of further expanding one of the University’s largest financial engines could have implications across the institution, including for athletics.

If the proposed agreement passes, allowing Miami to expand both its student population and its health care operations, the University could have more institutional resources to invest in its athletic department in the long term.

That could give Miami greater flexibility to increase its investment in NIL and revenue sharing, continue facility development — including a football operations building referenced in the proposal — or even consider expanding its athletic department by adding new sports.

Those outcomes are future forward, and the proposal has not yet been approved by the Coral Gables City Commission. But, the potential for institutional expansion could give Miami more options as the financial demands of college athletics continue to increase.

The Miami Hurricanes take the field at Hard Rock Stadium against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sept. 28, 2024. // Photo Credit via Emily Rice

The latest SCOTUS decision may be devastating for many Miamians

Isabella Cely-Garcia
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The latest SCOTUS decision may be devastating for many Miamians

Just over 12 miles away from UM’s Coral Gables campus, a dark cloud has descended over Miami’s famous ‘Little Haiti.’ 

In late June, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 6-3 in favor of President Trump’s campaign to roll back Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians currently residing in the country. 

Rolling back TPS for the Haitian community will lead to thousands of deportations in South Florida alone, separating families and sending many into extremely life-threatening conditions back in Haiti. 

Temporary Protected Status is a government protection granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their country from adequately handling the return. 

Syrian and Haitian immigrants have been eligible for TPS since 2014 and 2010 respectively. Since then, Florida has become the largest recipient of the Haitian diaspora. More than 500,000 Haitian-Americans call Florida home. 

Miami local and Haitian-American, Fabiana Poindujour feels like the Supreme Court’s decision is a huge mistake. 

“It makes no sense,” Pindujour said. “Mostly because the government gave temporary status to help with the earthquake that happened which caused the mass migration of Haitians and also still affects the country.”

This is a community that has built new lives here, and has also done its part in contributing to society. 

“Of the 350,000+ lawful Haitian TPS holders, roughly 1/3 work in our healthcare system,” U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., wrote on X. “Immediately shutting off TPS will create a crisis in our hospitals, nursing homes, and in the (intellectual disabilities) community.” 

Haitians have invested in creating legacies so that their culture can still thrive. Separating these families would diminish an important aspect of what makes Florida unique: Caribbean influence. 

Chef Creole, a chain of Haitian restaurants in Miami-Dade county, was founded by Chef Wilkinson Sejour. While he was born of Haitian descent, he was raised in the Bahamas and immigrated to Miami. Now the menu of his restaurants combine all of those influences, a testament to the diversity of Miami’s residents. 

“But the temporary status is to help lead to permanent residence,” Poindujour said. “However, the government also makes that extremely hard. So you’re kicking out people who have built a life here and really have done nothing wrong but build the country, for no reason.” 

Most importantly, taking TPS away exposes innocent people to dangerous conditions. Currently, Haiti has been taken over by rival gang wars and it is rarely safe to even visit. To be deported there is a death-sentence for many, with a death toll currently reaching 16,000 since 2022.

Forcing people who have not committed a crime to return to a place where they could lose their life at any moment is unnecessarily cruel on the part of the U.S government. In terms of humanity, there is little to gain and so much to lose from this kind of domestic policy. 

Immigrants who were TPS eligible essentially circumvented the amnesty application process and were able to stay in the country indefinitely. This perspective defends the concept of equality instead of equity. Equitable policy provides aid to those who are most in need, and less to those who are not. 

One example of this practice that is common across college campuses is need-based financial aid. In this case, immigrants fleeing from the most dangerous conditions deserve more protection. 

While families and communities across the country ask each other what their futures will look like under an increasingly anti-immigration administration, Miami finds itself at the nexus of the issue. An international city with less and less immigration sounds less like the American dream and more like a cautionary tale.

Welcome to Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Welcome to Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo

A blockbuster trade by the Miami Heat this offseason brings two new faces from Milwaukee: forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.

The addition of the NBA superstar to the Heat was just the move Team President Pat Riley was looking to make, bringing new star talent to the team after trading Jimmy Butler more than a year ago.

The Miami Heat officially introduced Antetokounmpo to fans on Thursday at Kaseya Center, a couple of weeks after the team traded for the two-time MVP and Portis in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis and significant draft capital, highlighted by three first-round picks.

Antetokounmpo entered the NBA in 2013, drafted 15th overall from Filathlitikos B.C., a semi-pro Greek basketball team based in Athens. Since then, the six-foot-eleven forward’s career has spanned a total of 21,531 points, 8,882 rebounds and 4,484 assists. 

His stats haven’t come without results, either: He became the 12th player in NBA history to win MVP in consecutive seasons, winning in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Antetokounmpo is also a one-time Defensive Player of the Year winner (2020) and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021 with a 50-point Game 6 performance against the Phoenix Suns.

The 31-year-old’s arrival to Miami marks the start of a new era, adding his talents and hunger for a championship to form one of the strongest frontcourts in the league alongside three-time all-star Bam Adebayo. The 29-year old center is coming off his fifth NBA All-Defensive Second Team appearance and scored a historic 83 points against the Washington Wizards on March 10. 

Portis also comes with Antetokounmpo as part of the massive trade package, though he has flown a little under the radar due to the shadow of Antetokounmpo’s stardom. However, this does not mean he should be disregarded. The six-foot-nine veteran forward was also part of the Bucks’ efforts to win the NBA Finals in 2021, and he told Local 10 News that playing for Miami fulfills a longtime dream for him, as the Heat were his favorite team growing up.

Other than the massive trade package, the Heat also made two important signings. The first was the signing of 34-year-old Tim Hardaway Jr. for a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. The son of Heat legend Tim Hardaway Sr., the six-foot-five guard adds a perimeter threat to the Heat’s offense as one of the league’s most dangerous long-range shooters.

Hardaway Jr. will continue his dad’s legacy while building his own, wearing the number 10 Hardaway Sr. wore with the Heat in the 1990s.

The Heat also snagged former Miami Hurricane Tre Donaldson as an undrafted free agent to a two-way contract. As a senior at UM, he averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.37 steals per game and was named to the All-ACC Second Team.

Donaldson should not be overlooked just because he went undrafted. Miami has a strong history of developing undrafted talent, with players like Duncan Robinson, Max Strus and Udonis Haslem each making their marks as undrafted talent brought in by Riley.

Miami will continue to round out its roster through free agency, being linked to free agent LeBron James and other veterans with the hopes of bringing the Heat back to the Finals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks at the 2022 All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio on Feb. 20, 2022// Photo Credit: Erik Drost via Wikimedia Commons

UHealth and UnitedHealthcare yet to reach full negotiation settlement

Martina Pantaleon
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UHealth and UnitedHealthcare yet to reach full negotiation settlement

Ongoing negotiations could leave the University of Miami Health System out of UnitedHealthcare in-network privileges by August 1, 2026, for non-students. 

As the cost of healthcare services continues to rise, public statements published in June by both the University and UnitedHealthcare revealed unresolved negotiations over reimbursement rates, the amount providers are paid by an insurance company or the government.

UHC’s statement cited that the rates UHealth asked for were too high and would “increase health care costs for families and employers.” UHC said its reimbursements matched those of other South Florida healthcare providers.

UHealth countered this point in a statement released on July 15. It argues that UHC is underpaying and undervaluing the services UHealth offers, including the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which has repeatedly been ranked as the best in the country.

During the first quarter of 2026, UnitedHealth Group — UHC’s parent company — reportedly earned $8 billion in revenue, which UHealth claims was not being used for the benefit of its members. Instead of funding healthcare, UHealth says UHC is pocketing it.

“United is putting your access to that care at risk by putting profits ahead of South Floridians’ care,” UHealth’s statement reads.

With the deadline to reach an agreement rapidly approaching, here is everything you need to know about these negotiations.

What this means for students

Alarms were raised when some students received an email from UHealth addressed to “valued patients” on July 16 informing them that an agreement was not reached yet. This contradicted an email sent the day before to part of the student body announcing that if they were insured by UHC, they would remain in-network. 

The Hurricane reached out to UM and confirmed that all UHealth services will remain in-network for students.

Which plans would be affected

Non-student members of the UM community who have employer-sponsored commercial plans, Medicaid (UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida) and Individual Family Plans could be affected.

Separate negotiations are taking place for the Medicare Advantage Preferred Care Network plan. Without a resolution, members will no longer have network access to UHealth’s hospital, facilities and doctors starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Those enrolled in the Florida Preferred Care Network, a Health Maintenance Organization plan with access to prescription medication in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, are not affected.

What going out-of-network could mean for patients

If UHealth becomes an out-of-network provider, UHC members would need to pay for its services out-of-pocket. The added cost will likely mean some patients will not be able to afford it and have to find a different provider.

Emergency services will still be provided by UHealth. The No Surprises Act stops UHealth from charging patients more than their health care plan would pay for the service, even if they become out-of-network.

What alternatives exist for UnitedHealthcare members

People receiving ongoing treatment for an illness or pregnancy can apply for Continuity of Care. If approved, patients can receive in-network benefits from providers for 90 days after they leave the network. 

Applications are currently open and run until 30 days after the provider leaves the network.

UHealth: a call for action or weaponization?

In its statement, UHealth claimed UHC was not prioritizing its members. The refusal by UHC to increase rates could limit UHealth’s ability to provide appropriate care and undermine the provider’s status.

Additionally, forcing patients to look for other providers could disrupt the treatment of high-risk patients like those battling cancer.

“This creates disruption during critical moments of care, when patients should be focused on healing, not worrying about where they can receive their next treatment,” UHealth wrote on its website.

UHealth also claims UHC unfairly denies patients certain treatments when first requested. When UHealth appealed these denials on the patient’s behalf, it said, “94% of them are overturned and approved.”

The Miami Hurricane reached out to UHC regarding this claim and has not received a response yet.

UHealth called for patients to call UHC and insist on the importance of reaching an agreement. 

In response, UHC repeatedly mentioned that it has reached “thousands of contracts each year” without the need for public statements. 

According to UHC, UHealth’s actions are “putting the patient in the middle of negotiations” and attempting to turn people into leverage so UHealth can gain a higher rate.

“Our top priority is to reach an agreement that is affordable for South Florida families and employers while maintaining continued, uninterrupted network access to UHealth,” a UHC spokesperson said in an official statement to The Hurricane. “We are committed to continued good-faith negotiation and utilizing the remaining time on our contract to renew our network relationship.”

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