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Serving pancakes with a purpose

Brandon Herrera
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Serving pancakes with a purpose

The alliterative charm of “Pancakes with Pat” reflects more than a catchy name. The semesterly event represents the connection between the University of Miami and its community, fostering conversation and strengthening relationships beyond the classroom. 

Pancakes with Pat attracts students and faculty alike, offering a casual space to connect and build community. It’s not just about the pancakes. It’s a chance to share stories, catch up with friends and engage with the University of Miami leadership. The event also represents UM’s mission to foster connection and engagement with students. 

This year, hundreds of students gathered, and next year will mark the 10th anniversary of Pancakes with Pat.

Dr. Patricia Whitely, the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement at UM, has served the community since 1982. Dr. Whitely has been serving pancakes to Canes since 2017. 

Lines of students wrapped around the Hebert Wellness Center like a queue to a Blockbuster store on a Friday night. At the end of the line stood what felt like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, except instead of candy, pillow-soft pancakes waited to be drenched in sprinkles and syrup. Between the stacks of syrup bottles, conversations crackled and students traded conversations like an episode of Gossip Girl. 

Whitley was inspired to create her own event. “Well, a colleague of mine told me that he did frosted flakes with Foster. I was like, I could do something better than that. I could do something like Pancakes with Pat.” Whitley said. 

Dr. Whitely said, “It’s a simple event, nobody has to say they are coming, everybody’s [sic] like hanging out with their friends.”Whitely’s words reflect how the event creates a space for students to take a break from academics while still building meaningful relationships in the school’s community. 

Dr. Whitely stood at the entrance wearing a bright smile and a matching bright white apron emblazoned with the words “Pancakes with Pat.” Her approachable demeanor made it easy to chat with her, capturing the spirit of the event; a relaxed community haven where students and faculty could connect.

For some students, the draw was simple: the pancakes were a welcome treat, a sweet change from the dining hall’s usual repeat. 

“It’s better food than the dining hall, to tell you the truth,” said Meldy Gloria, a sophomore studying Political Science and minoring in Arabic Studies.

Others appreciated the sense of community and the support the event provides, like Corey Reed, a freshman majoring in the music industry.

“It’s a really nice way to know that the school really cares about our well-being,” Reed said.

His words carried a profound meaning of Pancakes with Pat, capturing that it’s more than just eating pancakes, but also feeling appreciated and seen. Pancakes with Pat aligns with the campus mission of service while acknowledging the mental and emotional challenges of college life.

Standing beside Reed was Kayla, also a freshman majoring in the music industry.

Kayla put to rest any doubts UM students may have had about whether Pancakes with Pat was worth attending.

“Go, it’s a really good time, and the pancakes are better than you think they’re gonna be. I think it brings a lot of community,” she said.

While balancing an Eiffel Tower of pancakes, Kayla advised UM to pass on the tradition, believing it creates a welcoming environment. 

As students’ conversations lingered and plates were being cleared, the spirit of Pancakes with Pat was obvious: it’s more than a catchy name or a stack of pancakes. It’s a tradition aimed at bringing the University of Miami together as a community. 

United through pancakes to connect, unwind and be seen. With the 10th anniversary of Pancakes with Pat approaching, the event promises to serve pancakes with one meaningful purpose.

Meet fellow Canes, enjoy some pancakes, and chat with your community. Keep an eye out for the Pancakes with Pat poster in your residential housing lobby for more details!

Canes RB Jordan Lyle accused of driving at least 130 mph while fleeing traffic stop

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Canes RB Jordan Lyle accused of driving at least 130 mph while fleeing traffic stop

Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was accused of driving at more than 130 miles per hour while evading police last month, according to an affidavit released on Tuesday from the Sunrise Police Department.

Lyle was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 13, on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer and a second-degree misdemeanor of reckless driving

He was released on a $55,000 bond the same day and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

According to the affidavit, a gray BMW registered under Lyle’s name was timed at 92 mph on the Sawgrass Expressway — on a section of the road where the speed limit is 65 mph — shortly after 7 p.m. on July 10.

After Sunrise Police Detective Jonathan Hennessey turned on his lights to engage with the car, the BMW “rapidly accelerated” away and reached speeds faster than 130 mph on “visual estimate,” making “rapid, abrupt and unsafe lane changes to maneuver between vehicles.”

Hennessey ceased his direct pursuit of the car, citing dangers to other motorists, but still monitored the car as it exited the expressway and left the officer’s sight.

Police executed a search warrant on July 15 and spoke to Lyle via FaceTime. Lyle and his lawyer entered the Sunrise Police Department later that day and gave a sworn statement.

“We’re waiting for legal to take its course of action, and we’ll decide everything from there,” Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal said to the media following Monday’s practice.

Athletics provided a similar statement.

“We are aware of an incident involving student-athlete Jordan Lyle,” the University of Miami said in a statement to The Miami Hurricane. “As due legal process runs its course, we will have no further comment at this time.” 

It is unsure if Lyle will be ready for the start of the season as Miami begins play on Sept. 4 against Stanford.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Quarterback Carson Beck hands the ball off to Sophomore running back Jordan Lyle against Louisville on October 17, 2025.

Ariana Grande’s eighth album, “petal,” falls short of a full bloom

Marissa Levinson
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Ariana Grande’s eighth album, “petal,” falls short of a full bloom

Ariana Grande is an undeniably talented vocalist. She utilizes her four-octave range as her own 

personal instrument, and although it’s impressive, her newest album, “petal,” proves even one of the greatest vocalists still needs the support of strong production and instrumentals. 

“petal” released July 31 and opened with “kiss me,” an instantly immersive track that set a high bar for the rest of the record. Its introduction quickly escalated into a spatial audio experience that felt different from any other current pop releases or her past music. 

When the verse commenced, all that remained was Grande’s voice and a steady beat – but in every chorus, the surround sound returned and the song became memorable. 

What followed this track, however, made the album forgettable, as it lacked the same depth of “kiss me.” Rather than a complete immersion in a futuristic, three-dimensional sound, the production, credited to her and ILYA, feels hollow and plastic, something that could be attributed to the apparent lack of live instrumentation.

“stay” and “nobody, nowhere” reveal the monotony of the album. The tracks feel flat, as though Grande is placing choppy cuts and reverb-heavy vocal effects in the places where she could put live instruments and chord progressions. 

For her past three albums, Grande has primarily layered her vocals into harmonies on synth backing tracks. It was new in “Positions,” it was done best in “eternal sunshine,” but now in “petal,” it’s overdone. 

In this album, her vocals don’t carry enough weight, as she opts for a cleaner, more melodically-confined album, straying away from ballads that would free her voice to roam all the ranges it can.

When she sings this album live, meanwhile, on her current Eternal Sunshine tour,it sounds its most captivating – her vocals conveying more emotions from sadness to gratitude to resentment as she riffs the lyrics that feel stagnant in the recorded album. 

One aspect of the album that feels different than her previous records is her intertwining of many different versions of herself. From song to song, it feels like different phases of Grande are standing in front of the microphone.

“like i do” intertwines the falsettos Grande showed us in her role as Glinda in “Wicked” with an R&B “Thank U, Next” style production. 

This choice matches the theme of her tour, as she pays homage to every version of herself – embracing them instead of rejecting them. 

The lead single, “hate that i made you love me,” is another strength of the album, attributable to Max Martin’s contribution to the production. The producer is known for his infectious pop melodies, as heard on many of Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s music, in addition to other Grande songs like “Problem” and “Into You.” 

This album simply feels like Grande doesn’t have much to say. She recycles the same scattered themes of self-worth while facing public scrutiny, the end of relationships, moving on and healing without developing or revealing anything new through lyrics or sound. 

Rating: 2.5/5

Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn dismissed from program

Sebastian Font
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Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn dismissed from program

Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn has been dismissed from the team, according to head coach Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal announced the dismissal on WQAM’s Joe Rose Show Monday morning, confirming the West Virginia transfer is no longer with the team.

“Cam Vaughn has been dismissed from the team,” Cristobal said. “We wish him the best … the Canes will press on.”

Cristobal gave no direct reason for Vaughn’s departure.

All signs point to a multitude of reasons for his dismissal, not just a “one-time” issue.

Vaughn was arrested in Georgia for reckless driving in July, but sources indicate this was not the only reason for his departure — especially considering Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was recently arrested on a similar charge of reckless driving and remains with the team.

The redshirt junior committed to Miami in early January as a proven veteran addition for the Hurricanes young wide receiver room. Across the past two seasons, Vaughn reeled in 93 catches for 1344 yards across his time at Jacksonville State and West Virginia.

However, his spot in the depth chart slid once Darian Mensah committed to Miami late in the transfer portal, bringing his No.1 target Cooper Barkate with him.

Add on the continued development of sophomores Josh Moore and Daylyn Upshaw alongside budding freshmen prospects, Vaughn was faced with an uphill battle for playing time this upcoming season.

Vaughn becomes the third player to depart from Miami this fall, with the announcement of Hayden Lowe and Jontavius Wyman’s departures made earlier this month.

The Hurricanes are set to start their 2026 season against Stanford in just less than three weeks time on Sept. 4.

Hurricanes football receives highest AP preseason ranking since 2018

Zach Cohen
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Hurricanes football receives highest AP preseason ranking since 2018

Coming off a National Championship appearance, Miami has checked into the AP preseason poll at the No.7 spot which was released on Monday afternoon. 

This marks the highest ranking since the 2018 preseason poll and the last time the Hurricanes have been top 10 in back-to-back seasons dates back to 2004-2005.

Reigning national champions, Indiana, lands one spot ahead of Miami. 

Led by fifth year head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have routinely improved their spot in the preseason poll. 

Starting in 2022, Miami landed at No. 16 but went 5-7, not qualifying for a bowl game. Missing the poll in 2023, they re-entered in 2024 at the No. 19 spot and have surged since — ranked No.10 ahead of last season and now No.7 in the 2026 preseason poll. 

Ohio State (No.1) and Notre Dame (No. 4) land above Miami, though the Hurricanes beat both teams last season. Miami will travel to Notre Dame on Nov. 7 as they look to take down a storied foe for the second time in as many years. 

Three ACC universities including Miami landed on the poll. SMU comes in at No. 19 while Louisville lands at No. 24. 

Miami kicks off its 2026 campaign at Stanford on Sept. 4. 

The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EST.

Hurricanes fall to Jacksonville 2-0, come back swinging 3-0 against FAU

Bella Armstrong
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Hurricanes fall to Jacksonville 2-0, come back swinging 3-0 against FAU

Miami soccer opened its 2026 season with a frustrating loss on the road before quickly finding its footing three days later.

After falling 2-0 to Jacksonville on Wednesday despite controlling much of the offensive action, the Hurricanes bounced back Sunday with a 3-0 shutout over Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton to earn their first win of the season and move to 1-1 record.

Miami had no shortage of opportunities in its season opener. The Hurricanes outshot Jacksonville 9-4 in the first half and held a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks, but ultimately entered halftime scoreless.

The Dolphins made Miami pay for those missed chances after the break, breaking through in the 58th minute before adding another goal in the 71st. Despite finishing with a 10-8 advantage in shots and taking six corner kicks to Jacksonville’s one, Miami managed just two shots on goal in the 2-0 loss.

Against FAU, the Hurricanes made their opportunities count.

Freshman Zoie Fontenot got Miami on the board in the 22nd minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Moira Flynn for the first goal of her collegiate career.

But Miami wasn’t done before the break. In the 43rd minute, Crosby Nicholson connected off an assist from Allie Serlenga, sending the Hurricanes into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

Rather than sitting on the lead, Miami kept attacking. The Hurricanes recorded 10 shots in the second half while holding the Owls to four, before freshman Kambryl Armstrong put the game away in the 87th minute with the first goal of her collegiate career. 

Miami finished with a 14-10 advantage in shots and put seven attempts on goal, a significant jump from the two it managed against Jacksonville.

Goalkeeper Atlee Olofson played all 180 minutes across the Hurricanes’ opening two matches. After making two saves against Jacksonville, she stopped all three shots on goal against FAU to earn her first clean sheet of the season.

With its first win secured, Miami continues its season-opening road stretch Thursday, Aug. 20, traveling to Little Rock, Arkansas, to face Little Rock at 6 p.m.

The UM soccer team gathers in a huddle, building energy and focus before kickoff at Cobb Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. – Photo Credit via Michelle

New luxury student housing development planned near Coral Gables campus  

Gaby Collazo
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New luxury student housing development planned near Coral Gables campus  

A new luxury 16-story student housing development is coming to Coral Gables, offering University of Miami students new off-campus residences within minutes of campus. 

Alta Development, the developer of the project led by Henry Pino, plans to construct a 16-story building with 173 apartments and 675 beds ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites. The development — named  SOMI Walk — will be located 1.4 miles from UM’s campus. Its location would give students a three-to-five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to campus.

For upperclassmen at UM, housing can be competitive. On campus, the University offers four residential options: Centennial Village, University Village, Lakeside Village and Eaton Residential College. 

Although the University of Miami is actively working to expand on-campus housing and add beds through a multi-phase Housing Facilities Strategic Plan designed to replace existing facilities with higher-capacity, modern spaces, the process takes time. 

This plan is intended to accommodate more students in the future, but does not address the immediate shortage of on-campus housing. With more than 12,000 full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates and more than 6,000 full-time degrees-seeking graduates, students face challenges due to limited residences each year. 

Centennial Village was completed in August of 2026. As part of the project, Stanford and Hecht Towers were demolished and replaced with five new buildings, resulting in a net gain of 2,025 beds. 

The next phase of the plan is Gables Village. In the summer of 2026, the Mahoney-Pearson complex was torn down and will be replaced with two new buildings. The project is expected to provide 1,458 beds.  

However, SOMI Walk’s size and proximity to UM offer students another choice. 

“The Alta Development team continuously toured competing student-housing properties, on-campus options, and luxury residential developments both in Miami and across the country,” said Jonathon Pavlov, executive VP of Acquisitions & Asset Management of Alta Development. “Having developed numerous luxury condominium projects in Miami over the past 30 years, we wanted to bring that same level of quality, design, and attention to detail to the UM student.” 

The one-acre site was originally purchased by Alta Development for $29 million on May 1st, 2026, with the intent to build standard luxury residences. The company later acknowledged the shortage of modern student housing near UM. After the property was zoned for eight stories, Alta successfully lobbied for a zoning bonus that allows the building to reach 16 stories, potentially increasing the project’s revenue.

SOMI Walk will offer amenities including “a Miami-style rooftop pool overlooking the Coral Gables and South Miami canopy, as well as a third-floor pool surrounded by our state-of-the-art fitness center and student lounge,” said Pavlov. “On the ground floor, our wellness center will include massage chairs, tanning beds, a sauna, cold plunge, and a healthy grab-and-go café.” 

The development will also offer custom furniture and rent-by-the-bed living, allowing each resident to have a private bedroom and bathroom. Residents will pay one monthly rate for the all-inclusive housing experience, according to the SOMI Walk website. 

“Ultimately, SOMI Walk is the culmination of the best attributes we found in student housing, luxury residential, hospitality, and wellness projects both within and outside the Miami market,” said Pavlov. “We’re bringing the best of all of those worlds together specifically for the UM student[s].”

The residences are expected to be completed in 2028, at which point SOMI Walk can provide an alternative to on-campus housing, though its pricing and availability to students will determine how accessible the development will be.

Miami Hurricanes RB Jordan Lyle arrested on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Miami Hurricanes RB Jordan Lyle arrested on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities

Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was arrested in Broward County on Thursday, August 13th on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities.

Lyle was booked into Broward Main Jail on a Sunrise Police arrest warrant for a second-degree felony of aggravated fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer and a second-degree misdemeanor of reckless driving, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

The running back was released on a $55,000 bond the same day.

“We are aware of an incident involving student-athlete Jordan Lyle,” a University of Miami spokesperson said to talk show host Andy Slater. “As due legal process runs its course, we will have no further comment at this time.”

The Miami Hurricane has reached out to the University for a statement, but has not received a response at this time.

Lyle, a former four-star prospect, was previously named the starting running back heading into the 2025 season, but injuries limited him to make only six appearances and 108 rushing yards as Mark Fletcher Jr. emerged as the Canes starting running back.

Lyle broke out during his freshman season, totaling 400 yards on 54 rushes. He led the team with 7.4 yards per carry — the highest average for a Hurricane with more than 50 rushing attempts.

His standout play came against USF in 2024, where the then-18-year old scored a 91-yard touchdown to cap off a 50-15 road victory.

Heading into this upcoming season, Lyle generated plenty of buzz from both the coaching staff and media as a player who found his stride in the program again.

“I see the Jordan Lyle that we saw a year ago in many respects, but with better physical traits,” Head Coach Mario Cristobal said following Tuesday’s practice.

 “I don’t think people really knew the extent of how banged up he was last year, and now we see a full-speed player so we’re really excited about him.” 

With the start of Miami’s season rapidly approaching in just three weeks time against Stanford Sept. 4, how the program handles this situation remains to be seen.

This is a developing story

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Quarterback Carson Beck hands the ball off to Sophomore running back Jordan Lyle against Louisville on October 17, 2025.

Men’s basketball head coach Jai Lucas extends contract with Miami

Sebastian Font and Jayden Gonzalez
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Men’s basketball head coach Jai Lucas extends contract with Miami

Miami Men’s basketball coach Jai Lucas has agreed to a contract extension with the University, according to the AP.

Lucas, who was entering the second year of a five-year contract signed last March, emerged as one of the top coaches in college basketball after leading a 19-win turnaround for the Hurricanes during the 2025-26 season.

A source at the AP reported that his extension includes a pay raise, with the new deal lasting five years — essentially adding a year onto his previous contract.

The Miami Hurricane reached out to the University for comment, but has not received a response.

The Houston native took the Canes from a 7-24 season to an impressive 26-9 record, including a March Madness appearance for the first time since 2023.

Other highlights include a third place, regular-season finish in the ACC and a top-25 ranking in the end of season AP Poll.

Miami was one of nine universities last season to be ranked in the final AP Poll for both basketball and football; highlighting the importance of UM extending contracts for both Lucas and head football coach Mario Cristobal — whose extension was announced last week.

As one of the youngest and brightest coaches in the country, Lucas was long rumored to possibly take the reins of a traditional “blue-blood” program if the opportunity were to arise.

Lucas was a former assistant at Kentucky and Duke before being hired as the 14th MBB head coach in program history at UM.

However, this extension signals Miami’s commitment to building a powerhouse in Coral Gables, especially in an era defined by the transfer portal and NIL.

During his time as an assistant, Lucas was regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, and he’s already made his presence known at UM by committing a five-star prospect in each of his recruiting classes so far.

On top of his recruiting prowess, Lucas’ roster management stands out as his calling card. He inherited zero players ahead of his inaugural season, but made quality veteran transfer additions in Tre Donaldson, Malik Renau and Ernest Udeh Jr.

Once again, Lucas reloaded the roster ahead of the season, bringing in a top-10 portal class on top of returning key starters in Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen.

With Lucas’ future secured, a fresh injection of talent and a culture established, this Miami Men’s basketball side is not just expected to compete as one of the top programs in the ACC, but as one of the premier programs in the country this upcoming season.

Federal Court ruling extends student-athlete eligibility with possible UM returnees

Sebastian Font
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Federal Court ruling extends student-athlete eligibility with possible UM returnees

A U.S. District Court’s injunction allowing certain student-athletes to gain a fifth year of eligibility has added more chaos to the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. 

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney on July 31 in Denver, Colo., specifically grants student-athletes who enrolled in the 2022 class a fifth-year of eligibility on top of their exhausted four years.

Already, multiple high-profile athletes have announced their return to their respective programs — especially ones that never received a professional contract.

And, there’s even another group of athletes who are exploring a return to their collegiate programs despite signing professional deals, including former Miami Hurricane Malik Reneau.

A star player in men’s basketball’s historic turnaround last season, Reneau earned First Team All-ACC Honors with his 19 points per game en route to signing an Exhibit10 contract with the Orlando Magic earlier this summer.

With the transfer portal closed, many teams like Miami had already solidified their roster plans heading into the season. But with elite talents such as Reneau exploring returns, plenty of collegiate rosters could still have some shake-ups in store.

Miami isn’t the only institution that might feel the effects of the latest ruling, as the decision impacts the entire collegiate landscape.

Sweeney’s ruling directly undermines the NCAA’s new eligibility model — known as the “five-for-five” plan — and the NCAA is expected to appeal this decision. 

The plan outlined a standardized process that started a five-year eligibility timeline beginning on enrollment or on a student-athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever came first. Extensions would no longer be granted for medical waivers since the fifth year would function as a precaution.

The plan, which was approved in June, hinged on starting with a clean slate this fall by not grandfathering in players who exhausted their four years of eligibility. This “clean slate” was designed to start the season without new rulings, setting a concrete standard in collegiate athletics compared to the previous “wild west” waiver process.

By granting thousands of former student-athletes another year of eligibility, the recent decision could impact both the effectiveness of the approved five-for-five plan and rosters across the country as sporting seasons rapidly approach.

The NCAA — a private entity — has no authority over court rulings. So, Division I and II programs can opt to ignore the NCAA’s plan in favor of the court’s decisions.

Teams favoring, and even pushing for, court rulings instead of the NCAA’s decisions has played out repeatedly over the past few years, especially concerning eligibility, highlighting the NCAA’s ineffective authority over its member institutions.

But while prior rulings largely focused on a single player or a handful of players seeking eligibility extensions, the recent Federal Court ruling encompasses a large scope of athletes across all sports.

Of course, the thousands of now-eligible student-athletes won’t all return, but enough will to impact the collegiate landscape.

Miami-Dade to vote on governor, senator and local representatives in consequential primary

Gianni Echeverria
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Miami-Dade to vote on governor, senator and local representatives in consequential primary

From an open governor’s seat to a contested U.S. Senate primary, Miami-Dade County voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 18, for a primary election dominated by big-ticket races. 

Here is a look at the marquee statewide and federal contests on the ballot, as well as the key local races shaping the county.

The Governor’s Race

The biggest slot on the statewide ballot is the open governor’s seat, since current Gov. Ron DeSantis cannot run again. This is the first fully open race for the Florida governor’s office since 2018. 

In the Republican primary, Rep. Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed candidate, is the clear frontrunner, leading the race by 31 points. He faces Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a DeSantis appointee and Army veteran; former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner; and controversial businessman James Fishback, among others. DeSantis himself has remained neutral so far. 

“Florida is not going to stop leading,” said Donalds. “We’re going to build off of what we’ve done, and we are going to continue to lead bigger, better, faster, greater, safer, freer, because the American dream is for everybody, and we’re going to show the other 49 states how to get it done.”

On the Democratic side, former Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly is the leading candidate. Broward County-born educator Dayna Marie Foster is also in the race, along with other candidates. Florida has not elected a Democrat governor since 1994. 

“I’m not foolish. I know what it’s like to be a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the state of Florida, but I am an idealist,” said Jolly. “We have a crisis in the state of Florida. I’m giving voice to voters who are screaming about it right now, and they’re being ignored.”

The Senate Race

In the Senate race, Democrats are looking for a candidate to challenge Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed by DeSantis to fill the vacated seat when Marco Rubio became U.S. Secretary of State. Three other Republicans are competing for the nomination: Army veteran Chris Gleason, physician Neelam Taneja Perry and the Rev. Ernie Rivera. 

On the Democratic ticket, State Rep. Angela Nixon and retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman are running for the nomination. 

The U.S. House Race

In Florida’s 27th Congressional District, which includes Downtown, Little Havana, Coral Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest, Kendall, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, Republican incumbent Maria Elvira Salazar is seeking reelection. She faces opposition from V. Michael Arias, a former prosecutor and financial attorney. 

Former prosecutor Robin Peguero and former CBS Miami anchor Elliot Rodriguez are looking to secure the Democratic nomination. 

After the resignation of Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson, a seat in Florida’s 24th Congressional District is now open. State Sen. Shervin Jones is polling around 35% with likely voters, followed by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert at 28% and South Florida attorney Kendrick Meek at 9%. More than 20% of voters are currently undecided. 

Republican T. E. Brown qualified for the general election since he was the only Republican candidate who filed. 

The State House Race

One of the more closely watched local races is the contest to unseat Republican State Rep. Fabian Basabe, who represents District 106, which covers Miami Beach and some neighboring communities. Basabe was found liable for sexual harassment and battery against two male staffers and defamation of one staffer’s mother in July of 2026. 

Two Democrats are vying for the chance at the seat in November: former Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board member Lucia Baez-Geller and trial attorney Ashley Litwin Diego, who was endorsed by the Miami Herald Editorial Board. 

“I’ve spent my entire life in this community — as a student, a teacher, a public servant, and a parent,” Baez-Geller said. “I know what our families are going through, and I’m running to bring honest leadership, real accountability, and a strong voice for the people of District 106.”

A separate state house primary is playing out in District 113, encompassing downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Brickell and Little Havana. The seat is currently vacant after former State Rep. Vicki Lopez resigned to accept an appointment to the Miami-Dade County Commission. 

On the Republican side, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, small businessman and farmer Tony Diaz and Miami Herald Editorial Board-endorsed Frank Lago are on the ballot. On the Democratic side, Justin Mendoza-Rhoutt, the President of the Miami-Dade Young Democrats and Gloria Romero, who is also endorsed by the Miami Herald Editorial Board, are running. 

Local Elections

Local government races are also drawing a lot of attention. All Miami-Dade Commission and School Board races are nonpartisan.

 In District 2, incumbent Marlene Bastien, founder of the Haitian-American nonprofit Family Action Network Movement, is seeking reelection against first-time candidate Ernst Jean Louis and Miguel “Skip” Quintero, a trapeze artist and circus school founder. District 2 includes portions of the city of Miami, Hialeah and North-Dade.

District 5 pits retired Marine Major Rob Piper and former Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez against Vicki Lopez, the incumbent appointed after the election of Eileen Higgins as Miami Mayor. The district includes downtown Miami and Brickell, along with parts of Miami Beach, Little Havana and other neighborhoods.

In District 8, consisting of Homestead, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Redland, incumbent Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins faces primary challenges from former Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor John DuBois and nonprofit executive Martha Hero.

The Miami-Dade School Board also has some competitive seats up for grabs, including a crowded seven-candidate race to replace Steve Gallon III, who stepped down to transition to the County Commission. The top two candidates who secure the most votes will head to a November runoff. 

“I think that it’s important that every eligible voter uses this as an opportunity to make their voice heard,” said Jackson Hunter, a recent UM graduate. “The foundation of democracy is dependent on active participation on behalf of the electorate, which is something we shouldn’t take for granted.”

Early voting in Miami-Dade County began on Aug. 3, and will last through Aug. 16.. During early voting, registered voters may vote at any site throughout the county; however, on the primary election set for Aug. 18, they must go to their assigned precinct.

Four on-campus living changes made by UM’s Student Senate

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Four on-campus living changes made by UM’s Student Senate

Student Government bills from last year’s legislative session have received Dr. Pat Whitely’s approval and will bring swift changes to UM — all connected to the on-campus living experience.

“I am very proud of these senators that sought out areas of improvement from their constituents and worked to find a solution,” Trinity Vodovoz, the Speaker of the Student Senate, said.

The University of Miami’s Student Senate gave The Hurricane an exclusive look at bills that were approved from last year’s legislative session. 

Elimination of fees for incorrectly addressed packages

The area where students will feel the most immediate relief is in the elimination of UPS fees for incorrectly addressed packages. 

As one of two farewell bills introduced by former Senior Class Senator Branden Damus, a Spring 2026 graduate, this bill addresses “undue financial and mental stress” on students at a time when affordability is a major issue.

“Charging students an administrative fee for incorrectly addressed packages, often due to circumstances outside their control, was an unnecessary and student-unfriendly policy,” Damus said. “Eliminating this fee will make the package process fairer and remove one more unnecessary burden for current and future University of Miami students.”

Instead of immediately charging students, Housing and Residential Life staff will help educate students on the correct mailing format, while addressing repeat issues through an “educational process.” 

Walkthrough videos of all on-campus housing

Before graduating, Damus managed to push a second bill through. This one pushed HRL — in collaboration with Student Affairs Marketing — to produce photo and video walkthroughs of every residence hall and apartment. These walkthroughs are scheduled to be available for students participating in the 2027–2028 housing selection process.

Damus says he was inspired by his own experiences as an incoming undergraduate student, and he wanted current and future UM students to have greater transparency during the move-in process.

“Students were being asked to choose among a wide range of housing options without having clear, realistic visuals of the spaces they would actually be living in,” Damus said. “I am grateful that they will now have the information needed to make housing decisions that are best for them.”

More printer availability

Students living in Lakeside Village this year can expect improvements to their printing demands. 

A bill authored by Sophomore Class Senator Katie Wang will install a new UPrint printer in Lobby D, which Vodovoz says will improve access for Lakeside residents.

“Students should not have to walk so far just to print a quick assignment,” Wang said. “I hope this makes life a little easier for Lakeside residents and serves as a starting point for more printer access across campus.”

Chopsticks available in dining halls

Finally, the University will introduce a pilot program for reusable chopsticks in Mahoney-Pearson and Centennial Village Dining Halls. According to Vodovoz, approximately 250 pairs will be available while Dining Services evaluates logistics — including cleaning procedures and durability — before determining if the program should become permanent.

The Asian American Student Association’s Senator, Natalie Wu, says she hopes this legislation will address student concerns over a “lack of proper utensils” in the dining halls.

“Our dining halls do a great job highlighting different cultures through their food, but that means serving dishes like noodles, sushi and dumplings that are traditionally eaten with chopsticks,” Wu said. “I’m hoping this pilot program fixes that gap and gives more students a chance to fully engage with the food they’re eating.”

As a new legislative session begins for the Student Senate, the legislation taking effect could prove symbols of the Senate’s effectiveness if they are successful. 

“I want to highlight that the Student Government listens to the students’ concerns and we try our best to be students’ advocates,” Vodovoz said. “Thank you to the administrative and respective departments that made these initiatives possible. This is just a snapshot of the work the Senate does.”

Students who want to bring questions, comments or concerns to the Senate are welcome to attend their weekly meetings at 4:30-6:30 P.M. on Wednesday in the Shalala Student Center’s Senate Room.

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