News - The Miami Hurricane

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

Emil Salgado Vazquez

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August 11, 2026

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.

Last-minute items to add to your cart: Freshmen move-in 101

Hannah Valdivia

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August 11, 2026

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Last-minute items to add to your cart: Freshmen move-in 101

As move-in week begins, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement that new people, new places and new friends can bring.

However, once the dust settles, you’ll realize that those extra Amazon packages your mom ordered — and that you left at home — were actually necessary for survival.

Here’s a list of the top five things you didn’t know you needed until you realized you didn’t have them:

Coffee maker

This one you may not realize you need until halfway through the fall semester when your dining dollars run out and that $7 coffee from Starbucks starts to look expensive.

Small, compact coffee machines can be found at Target, Walmart and Amazon for affordable prices, especially now with back-to-school sales and tax-free perks.

My personal favorite is the Keurig K-Mini Mate, which retails for about $50 at Target. You can also purchase plastic cups from Amazon, so it’ll almost feel like you’re actually buying it from Starbucks.

Steamer

From rush week to business presentations, I found myself asking neighbors and suitemates for a steamer way more often than I thought I would.

It’s much more difficult to fit a large ironing board and an iron into a small 150-square-foot dorm room, so a compact steamer makes it easier to get all the wrinkles out of your clothes with much less hassle.

The Conair Turbo handheld steamer is a great option and goes for $50. If you’re looking for a less pricey option, the HiLife handheld steamer is about $25 on Amazon.

Drying rack

This essential is more for the people who take good care of their clothes and don’t want to ruin their new tops or bottoms in the dryer.

While I didn’t use this, I did bring it to my dorm, and my roommate ended up using it almost every laundry day for her delicate items.

Instead of letting your new sweater shrink in the wash, bring a small drying rack that’s easy to pull out of your closet, then fold up and put back in.

The Container Store sells a very compact one for $20, but there are plenty of other options on Amazon and even Temu.

Blackout curtains

This was one of the items I found myself wishing I had the most throughout the school year. I got last-minute curtains at Target during move-in week and was too lazy to go back and buy blackout curtains … which I quickly regretted.

After staying out late on a Friday or Saturday night, the last thing you want is the sun peeking in through your curtains at 7 a.m.

So, avoid the early morning tossing and turning and just buy the blackout curtains before it’s halfway through the semester and you get too lazy to go.

Pottery Barn Teen has blackout curtains for college dorms for $65, while Target also has a cheaper option for about $20.

Medicine bin

I always thought the huge medicine bin my mom packed was going to be a waste of space and left untouched, but very quickly into the semester I found myself reaching for it more often than not.

My roommate, suitemates and I all used at least one thing in the medicine bin each month, especially because we would fall victim to colds and the freshman flu every other week.

To make your own mini medicine cabinet for your dorm, you just need a clear plastic storage bin, some organizers and labels if you’re feeling fancy.

TikTok has tons of tutorials for medicine bins, and Amazon has plenty of medicine storage box options for under $30.

It’s smart to keep things like VapoRub, Tylenol, a thermometer and even some Narcan. All residential colleges are stocked with free Narcan, but it doesn’t hurt to carry your own for emergency purposes as well.

In mine, I also kept Emergen-C and Midol, both things my roommates and I shared often.

Take it from someone who has been there and forgotten that: don’t wait to place all your last-minute purchases halfway through the school year, or you’ll end up lugging a storage cart across campus with a bunch of Amazon boxes.

“It is not good for the man to be alone” even includes Spider-Man

Marissa Levinson

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August 8, 2026

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“It is not good for the man to be alone” even includes Spider-Man

Nearly five years ago, theater audiences shuddered as Tom Holland’s Peter Parker said the words “you’re going to forget who I am” to his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

Now, Spidey-fans return for Holland’s fourth solo-movie installment, “Brand New Day,” as Peter Parker embarks on his usual superhero escapades, only this time, alone.

The world forgetting who Spider-Man is under the mask allows him to be Spider-Man 24/7 – without facing the complications that revealing his identity proved to bear. The loss of his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) had convinced him that anyone he loves is in danger if they knew his true identity.

His solution: be alone, and be Spider-man, never Peter Parker to anyone.

Though he’s convinced himself it’s not only more efficient, but also safer for everyone that way, “Brand New Day” exposes the full, lonely truth of Parker’s predicament. He finds himself failing to be only Spider-Man, as he realizes “man” is only half the name, but he’s losing his humanity.

Without human connection, he’s reduced to the lonely lifestyle of an arachnid, and that’s not who he is, even as a hero.

Given Spider-Man’s solo state, the scale of his battles is reduced from saving humanity to returning to being just “your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

But sometimes less is more. Not every superhero movie has to be about intertwining universes or saving the entire planet, something Marvel has arguably forgotten in the past few years.

With Spider-Man, however, they always get it right. Tom Holland’s charming confidence as Spider-Man and his emotional relatability as Peter Parker entrance die-hard, casual, nostalgic and new fans alike.

“No Way Home” appealed to fans with the incredible crossover of Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland’s versions of the same character. It was satisfying for the time, but that hype could only be sparked once. Marvel made the right decision to recenter the story of Holland’s Peter Parker on himself.

This choice offered viewers the chance to empathize with him more deeply.

Although Parker was the sole protagonist, “Brand New Day” lends some of its screen time to other characters, including Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner (The Hulk), Florence Pugh’s Yelena (Black Widow) and Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle (The Punisher). A new face, played by Stranger Things alum Sadie Sink, also rounds out the movie.

These dynamics bring something new to the table – mentorship from Banner and Yelena, brotherly banter from Castle and a different perspective from Sink’s character.

It’s the returning characters that make this movie feel like home, however, even if it’s different now that all their memories together are one-sided. With a handshake and a black-dahlia necklace, “Brand New Day” poses the question, “Is memory intuitive?”

This film also delivered a full-fledged backstory for its antagonists, something that makes sense in the context of Spider-Man, as he has a reputation for being an empathetic, non-lethal hero.

To see all sides of the story as an audience is to see it the way Peter Parker sees it.

The costume design and cinematography of “Brand New Day” are the smaller details that carry the storytelling’s visual weight. His rudimentary suit immerses the viewer in Spider-Man’s lack of access to advanced technology, given his undisclosed identity.

The Spider-Man suit stood out in every scene he wore it. The fact that he was hiding his identity was unforgettable, as his suit’s crimson red and royal blue clashed against every unsaturated brick wall, gray street and neutral room he passed.

These details remind the audience that this is where his story stands and these are the complications that come with it, proving it was never something he could maintain forever.

In many action scenes, the direction sparked similarities to the cartoon versions of Spider-Man, the one seen in comics, video games and the “Into the Spider-Verse” movies. It felt like every form of this character was subtly honored, and maybe even hinted at another future joining of them.

Although it felt like there could have been more to the movie when the credits rolled, any more resolution than what was given would’ve been premature and wouldn’t have delivered enough emotional payoff.

Especially knowing that “Spider-Man will return,” hopefully to complete a second trilogy, there’s no rush. It’s better to let the continuous story unfold as it does.

Rating: 4.5/5

Gracie Abrams leaves listeners in a mundane purgatory with “Daughter from Hell”

Marissa Levinson

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August 8, 2026

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Gracie Abrams leaves listeners in a mundane purgatory with “Daughter from Hell”

After saying “Good Riddance” and revealing “The Secret of Us” on her first two albums, Gracie Abrams returns to music with a third album. “Daughter from Hell” released July 17 with a name of such intensity that deserves to be equaled by the album.

The album is who she is in her entirety – a celebrity adjusting to the blinding spotlight, an anxiously-avoidant person settling herself with a significant other and a daughter trying to be better to her mother.

Abrams’ new era commenced with the lead single, “Hit the Wall” released in May. Despite its fiery visuals that signify a stray from her signature soft, bedroom-pop sound, it’s just the same as her previous works.

One of its lyrics, “sooner or later you’ll find out I live in a pattern of breakdowns” could serve as the tagline of this album.

The record may be thematically scattered, but this lyric puts every piece of artwork in one frame. Her feelings don’t follow a linear narrative, but neither is raw human emotion, which she serves to convey in her musical poetry.

From one track to the next she’s delving into current loves then lost loves, from childhood nostalgia to fear of change.

Ahead of its release, Abrams promised to tell a story different from her usual trials and tribulations of romantic love. She revealed the title stems from the difficulty she gave her mother during her teenage years and the strain it put on their now-recovered relationship.

Although this could’ve been a theme to explore throughout the entire project, as she hasn’t delved deeper into it before, she still just barely grazes the surface of it.

The introduction of the titular track maintained the fierce expectation that its name set, with a vibrating electric guitar, but when the verses commence, it’s no different than the rest of her discography – raspy-hushed vocals and acoustic production.

Abrams takes accountability for the hardships she gave her mother when she was a teenager. She expresses her newfound admiration for her, something she wishes she always felt.

It’s sentimental, but it’s missing the potency that the title and the introduction teased.

Songs like “The Knife,” “Good Reason, “Afflictions” and “Minibar” are the most-memorable of the record.

“The Knife” feels like a mashup of “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Free Now,” fan-favorites from her sophomore album. It’s familiar, but it’s right. Although it’s a strength of the album, even her strongest work has been done before.

The bridge of “Good Reason” is exactly what you crave from an artist like Gracie Abrams. It utilizes repetition to climactically confess her truest feelings line by line.

Her most exciting songs follow the same format: opening as a crooning ballad, then escalating into a dramatic bridge, but the strength of the punch is minimized by the fact that it’s expected.

Abrams’ songs are inflicted with the habit of sounding the same, and it wasn’t cured with this album.

A love song amid the chaos, “Afflictions” sweetly addresses her boyfriend and actor Paul Mescal. She creatively breaks the fourth wall with the lyric, “I don’t know where to put it all/ I’ll put you in a song” as she attempts to put her love for him into words. She does it the way she knows best: through music.

Abrams sounds most authentic and characterized when she is co-writing with her best friend fellow singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert. Instead of lyrics that feel like a diary that is anticipated to be read by a critical audience, “Minibar” resembles a FaceTime debrief with your best friend after a night out.

For her, that’s just what works. It shines light on the personality that hides in her other songs: Less formalities, more character. Less explanations of her emotions and more expression of them.

Hobert isn’t the only co-writer on “Daughter from Hell.” This album’s collaborators also includes Mescal, who contributed to “Imaginary Friend,” Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” producer Aaron Dessner and Mumford and Sons’ lead singer Marcus Mumford.

All the collaborative input is subtle, but Hobert’s is instantly and undeniably noticeable.

“Daughter from Hell” could have benefited from a connective tissue between each of the themes. Instead, listeners “look at [her] life” through a kaleidoscope of interchangeable music.

As a writer, Abrams has a way with words and emotion that resembles a poet. The lyrics could be read and enjoyed as free-verse poems, but in their full capacity as songs on an album, they prove that her musical talents – from vocals to production – fall short.

Rating: 2.5/5

Miami’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity under investigation for alleged hazing

Vivian Amoia

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August 6, 2026

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Miami’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity under investigation for alleged hazing

The University of Miami’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity is currently under investigation because of videos involving members of the fraternity engaging in dangerous activities that could fall under UM’s ban on hazing.

One man had his pants lit on fire, others were forced to consume food and liquids until they got sick and other men danced, barely clothed, for a group of women.

According to UM policy, “Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act or situation committed on or off campus by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate.”

UM’s policy states that “causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances” is classified as hazing. Additionally, “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity” is also listed as hazing.

More information about UM’s hazing policy can be found at this link.

A source who wishes to remain anonymous provided The Hurricane with five videos and multiple screenshots from fraternity GroupMes. The Hurricane has verified all of this information.

One video shows three shirtless men standing at the edge of a pool when one bends down to light another one’s pants on fire. Three more shirtless guys rush into the video to tackle them into the pool. It is unclear if anyone sustained injuries.

According to the source, the man whose pants were lit on fire was a pledge of the fraternity and that this was done as part of an act before a party to entertain the fraternity brothers.

A man — that a source identified as member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity — lights another man’s pants on fire before they all jump into a pool. // Video via a source who wishes to remain anonymous.

Even had the man consented, UM policy states that “The consent of the alleged victim had been obtained” is not a defense to hazing.

Two other videos obtained by The Hurricane involve men — who the source identified as pledges — eating and drinking until they become sick.

One shows a fraternity pledge standing next to a timer eating and drinking food until he becomes sick. The food included chocolate milk, bananas and Sprite. The second shows a man drinking what appears to be chocolate milk until he also becomes sick.

Another video shows multiple shirtless men — wearing matching cheetah swim shorts with Phi Delta Theta Greek letters painted on them — crawling on their hands and knees, performing to music in front of a large group of women. The members then danced in a sexually suggestive way and jumped into a pool of water.

According to the source who provided the video, this occurred at Delta Gamma sorority’s Anchor Splash philanthropy event.

UM’s policy states that “forced/encouraged conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment” is also classified as hazing.

Video of multiple men with Phi Delta Theta fraternity Greek letters painted on them dancing while shirtless in matching cheetah swim shorts. // Video via a source who wishes to remain anonymous.

The last video is of a man — who the source identified as a pledge — making a humming noise and crushing fruits and cans with his chin. He starts with a strawberry, then attempts to crush an apple, crushes an empty soda can and ends by trying the apple again. The source describes this as a “humiliating video they made a pledge make.”

The University of Miami responded to The Hurricane’s inquiries with a statement.

“The University of Miami received a video from a news media outlet on July 29 allegedly portraying members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity imitating a dangerous social media challenge,” the University wrote. “The University of Miami Dean of Students Office has partnered with the Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters, and we are actively investigating the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Any students or student organizations determined to have violated the University of Miami code of conduct will be held accountable.”

In addition to videos, the source also sent The Hurricane sections of the Phi Delta Theta GroupMe, which, at the time, was named “Oppression.” Some messages in the group chat also contain slurs and racial remarks.

The Senior Director of Strategic Communications of Phi Delta Theta headquarters, Katelyn Ferguson, released the following statement to The Hurricane.

“Phi Delta Theta is reviewing alleged policy violations at the Florida Delta chapter at the University of Miami. Phi Delta Theta is working with the university, chapter, and alumni to review the matter. Any individuals found responsible for violating policy will be held accountable.”

The Hurricane reached out to the president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Colin Bradley, and has not yet received a response.

Mario Cristobal agrees to long-term extension with Miami football

Jayden Gonzalez

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August 4, 2026

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Mario Cristobal agrees to long-term extension with Miami football

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal has confirmed reports on his long-term contract extension following a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance and a steady rise back to national prominence.

“I’m super blessed,” Cristobal said to reporters on Tuesday. “We’ve done a lot of good things, and there’s a lot more good and great things and elite things to come, and we feel like we’re just getting started. Miami is in my blood. Always has been, always will be.”

To learn more about what led up to the extension, read The Hurricane’s article here.

UHealth and UnitedHealthcare reach agreement, some Medicare patients left behind

Martina Pantaleon

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August 4, 2026

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Healthcare giants University of Miami Health System and UnitedHealthcare reached an agreement on July 31, 2026, to continue their partnership after 14 months of negotiations.

“We are happy to share that UHealth and UnitedHealthcare have reached an agreement. UHealth doctors and hospitals will stay in your network,” UHealth wrote in an email on July 31. “This means your care can continue, and you can keep using your United benefits. You no longer need Continuity of Care forms.”

Still, the parties were unable to reach an agreement for patients using Medicare Advantage Preferred Care Network, who will become out of network under the new agreement.

UHealth and UHC released matching announcements earlier in the week, marking the end of negotiations. Both companies thanked their patients for their patience.

“You are at the heart of all we do,” UHealth’s email continued. “We are glad to keep caring for you and your family.”

Screenshot of the email UHealth sent patients on July 31, 2026. // Screenshot via TMH Staff.

Several plans will keep in-network privileges with UHealth:

Employer-sponsored commercial plans
Individual Family Plans
Medicare Supplement — which covers the leftover out-of-pockets costs from Medicare plans and the two Medicaid plans making up the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida
Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance — for families and adults who meet income requirements
Long-Term Care — for elders at risk of being placed in nursing homes

Members of UHC’s Preferred Care Network Medicare Advantage plans — a Health Maintenance Organization plan with coverage for prescription drugs in Miami-Dade and Broward — are not so lucky.

Members left out-of-network will have to pay out of pocket for all of UHealth’s services, including physicians. Self-pay costs vary depending on the treatment, but for patients undergoing cancer treatment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — one of the most prominent institutions within UHealth — the costs could exceed $150,000.

UHealth services will also only remain in-network for Preferred Care Network patients until Dec. 31, 2026. Prior to renegotiations, UHealth would have been out of network for these patients by Sept. 1, 2026.

According to UHealth, this contract was a unilateral decision.

“UnitedHealthcare has notified UHealth that it intends to terminate its Preferred Care Network contract,” UHealth announced on its website.

UHC confirmed there are no ongoing negotiations to reinstate UHealth for PCN plans.

“We don’t know why PCN wanted to cancel us,” said Joanna Palmer, the executive director of media relations and medical communications for UHealth. “That’s a question for the insurance provider as to their ‘why.’”

UHC has not yet responded to The Hurricane’s inquiries.

For patients with a PCN plan facing termination, UHealth still encourages them to keep scheduling appointments with their current care team.

“Keep your upcoming appointments and continue to schedule new ones,” UHealth said on their website.

Once these PCN patients become out-of-network, they will only be able to continue their treatment at UHealth with Continuity of Care forms — exceptions that can be granted to patients who are pregnant or have an ongoing treatment for a serious illness. These forms only cover treatment for 30 days, afterward patients would have to switch providers or pay out-of-pocket.

Applications for Continuity of Care can be submitted up to 30 days after UHealth leaves the network.

UHC does not disclose how long these applications take to be processed and did not answer questions relating to the topic.

The Hurricane also reached out to UHealth to understand how it will handle cases that are still being processed after Dec. 31, but did not receive a response.

For UHC members who would need to request Continuity of Care, it is unclear what the next steps should be.

UHealth urged PCN members to consider their future lack of in-network access during open enrollment — a period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 where people can change, sign-up or drop insurance plans — and offered alternative providers.

On their website, UHC echoed the benefit of switching providers.

“Current UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members who switch to a new plan for 2027 that has UHealth in its network will have no gap in network access to the health system,” UHC posted.

For patients who decide to keep their current PNC plan, UHC’s website lists several South Florida health systems that will still be in-network, such as Mount Sinai Medical Center and Memorial Healthcare System.

Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal reportedly agrees to long-term contract extension

Bella Armstrong

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August 4, 2026

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Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal reportedly agrees to long-term contract extension

Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension after leading a recent program resurgence which included a national championship appearance in January.

The extension comes after Cristobal led Miami to one of the most successful and impressive seasons in program history. The Hurricanes finished 10-2 in the regular season in 2025, good enough for a College Football Playoff appearance where the Canes would knock off three top-10 teams before falling to the Indiana Hoosiers in the championship round at Hard Rock Stadium.

Cristobal, 55, is entering the fifth year of the 10-year, $80 million contract he signed after returning to his alma mater in December 2021. The original agreement was set to run through the 2031 season.

Cristobal has steadily improved Miami’s record since taking over the program in 2022. After leading the Hurricanes to a 10-3 campaign in 2024 behind quarterback Cam Ward — who later became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft — Miami reached new heights last season with its first national championship game appearance in over two decades.

Cristobal has increased Miami’s win total in each of his four seasons as head coach — five, seven, ten and most recently 13 — and enters the 2026 campaign with a 35-19 overall record at the University.

The Hurricanes are expected to compete again among the nation’s top programs this fall.

Miami added former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate through the transfer portal and returns key offensive contributors, including running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and wide receiver Malachi Toney.

The optimism surrounding the program has been reflected nationally. Last week, Miami was selected as the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference in the ACC preseason media poll, reinforcing expectations that the Hurricanes will again contend for both a conference title and a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.

Cristobal, a former Hurricanes offensive lineman who played on Miami’s 1989 national championship team, has consistently emphasized recruiting, player development and restoring the program to national prominence since returning to Coral Gables.

The reported extension signals the university’s continued commitment to that vision after Miami’s resurgence over the past four seasons.

Additional details regarding the terms of Cristobal’s contract extension — such as duration and finances — have not yet been released by the university.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Head Coach Mario Cristobal raises the Cotton Bowl trophy after Miami’s victory against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

UHealth recognized in five nationally-ranked specialties for 2026-2027

Vivian Amoia

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August 4, 2026

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UHealth recognized in five nationally-ranked specialties for 2026-2027

The U.S. News & World Report released its rankings for the 2026-2027 Best Hospitals on the morning of Tuesday, August 4. UHealth — the University of Miami’s Health System — was nationally ranked in five adult specialties, three of which were awarded top 20.

The rankings are as follows:

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute — No. 1 for ophthalmology for the 25th consecutive year
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — No. 1 in the state of Florida and No. 23 nationally for cancer care
Neurology & Neurosurgery department — No. 14 nationally
Geriatrics — recognized in the Top 20
Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery — ranked in the Top 50 for the first time

4,494 hospitals nationwide were ranked for the 2026-2027 year. This was the first year U.S. News recognized statewide specialty rankings in three categories: Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Orthopedics.

Regionally, UHealth ranked No. 2 in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area and No. 5 in Florida.

A data visualization chart of UHealth’s 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report rankings. // Visual courtesy of the University of Miami.

Dr. Dipen Parekh, the CEO of UHealth, is using these rankings to continue driving the hospital to greater heights.

“Our physicians, nurses and staff deserve every bit of this recognition, and we will celebrate it today knowing that our work is not done,” said Dr. Parekh. “What is being recognized is a standard of excellence we set long before anyone outside was measuring it. That is what we hold ourselves to, and it is what we will continue to build on.”

Notably, this was the first time the Neurology & Neurosurgery specialty was ranked in the Top 15. The department was ranked No. 23 last year, and the program has been ranked in the Top 25 for six consecutive years.

Five specialties also earned high performing marks:

Diabetes & Endocrinology
Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Orthopedics
Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
Urology

This places these departments among the top 10% of highest performing hospitals.

Dr. Kymberlee Manni, the CEO of University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, emphasizes that these rankings are a testament to the quality of patient experience UHealth has created.

“It’s about creating a system that consistently delivers excellent outcomes, minimizes complications, prioritizes patient safety and provides a positive experience for every patient,” she said. “That is what we’ve done.”

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

Arielle Lopez and Dani Vega

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August 1, 2026

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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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August 1, 2026

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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.