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Miami volunteers join global coastal cleanup with Rescue a Reef

Leelou Lambolez
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Miami volunteers join global coastal cleanup with Rescue a Reef

More than 3,000 volunteers collected more than 25,000 pounds of trash at 68 cleanup sites across Miami-Dade County during the 40th annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Students, families and volunteers invested their time to join the University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program to clear 200 pounds of debris from the Rickenbacker Marina shoreline.

The ICC, coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, is the world’s largest single-day cleanup and unites communities in more than 90 countries. 

Rescue a Reef, UM’s coral restoration program, gathered students and community members to clear Miami’s shores of debris. Participants were able to log their findings in the CleanSwell app by easily recording each item of trash collected.

For both veterans and first-time participants, the event was about action, awareness and protecting the reefs that make South Florida unique.

Devon Ledbetter, Rescue a Reef’s program manager, said the event was about perspective.

“Today is a lot bigger than Rescue a Reef,” she said to the crowd at Rickenbacker. “We are not just picking up trash, we are contributing to a larger research goal.”

Volunteers gather on the Rickenbacker Marina shoreline as part of the 40th annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Miami. The University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program removed 200 pounds of waste from the site. // Leelou Lambolez

In an interview with the Hurricane, Ledbetter explained the connection between marine debris and coral conservation.

“Plastic that ends up in our beaches and on our waterways do end up having a downstream effect on coral reef health,” Ledbetter said. “There have been studies that show that they can actually communicate diseases that can kill our corals or damage them.” 

Rescue a Reef has been involved with ICC for several years, but 2025 marked Ledbetter’s first time leading the event. 

With 50 volunteers signed up, the turnout reflected both growing environmental concerns and strong community spirit. 

“What makes this event special is that volunteers don’t just remove trash, they contribute data that scientists can use to understand marine debris distribution,” Ledbetter said. “It transforms a cleanup into citizen science.”

That connection between science and action resonated with participants of all ages. For students on the cleanup, this dual mission was motivating. 

Reyli Lopez, a Miami-Dade College student attending his first ICC, said the cleanup was about accountability. 

“We are taking care of the world we’re living in. Garbage not only affects the animals, but it also affects us,” he said. “It’s crazy to think about the amount of garbage that you pick and the amount of random things you find. Us as humans, we just throw everything to the floor, not thinking how it affects us.”

Long-time volunteer Lucas Folse echoed that sentiment after hauling in heavy debris.

 “We found a big lead pipe and a syringe today,” he said. “That’s why cleanups like this are still so important.” 

For Folse, joining this event was a way to show his commitment after several years following the work of Rescue a Reef.

 “It’s International Coastal Cleanup Day,” Folse said. “It’s a big event that everybody is taking part in, and I just wanted to be a part of it too.”

17-year-old Giovanni Desimone, a reef ambassador who hopes to study marine biology at UM, emphasized the importance of showing up.

 “I wanted to help clean up the beach because I know how dirty it is, we all do, and I wanted to help,” he said. “Because I can just sit down on the couch and watch it on TV, but I want to be here, I want to do something.”

Trash was easy to find. 

“I was actually climbing over the trees like Tarzan to grab pieces of trash that were just hanging from the trees,” said Desimone.“It was pretty bad.” 

Despite being his first ICC event, Desimone already knew he’d be back. 

“You’ve got to get your hands dirty. It’s the only way to really understand the problem and be part of the solution,” he said.

By the end of the day, the team had collected 200 pounds of waste making an immediate difference for both the shoreline and international debris tracking. But for Ledbetter, the real value lies in engagement. 

“When they realize that they’re doing this for a larger research goal and contributing to ongoing research, it tends to create more of an investment in the issue and increases engagement,” he said.

As the ICC celebrated 40 years, Miami’s community proved that change begins locally. In the words of Desimone: “Be brave, come out here and get some work done.”

Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour is a disco dream

Gabriel Mena
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Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour is a disco dream

On Friday, Sept. 26, Dua Lipa transformed the Kaseya Center into an ethereal disco club. The show was a flawless mix of precise production and pure disco party energy—seamless, glowing and glittering from start to finish.

From the opening moments, you could sense the excitement in the room. The crowd was one of the most diverse I’ve seen at an arena show—little girls in glitter, college students, parents and even older fans. Yet, everyone shared the same buzz of anticipation. As the lights dimmed, ocean waves filled the screens, and ripples of light waved across the audience like we were all being pulled under. 

The stage itself was striking: a 3D infinity-shaped structure that housed the band and backing vocalists, layered with levels and stairs used to strut up and down. 

Extending from it was a long runway that stretched into a smaller center stage, which gave Dua space to connect directly with fans from every angle. It was a setup built not just for spectacle, but for presence—allowing Dua to be everywhere at once.

The lighting rig was versatile and dynamic, constantly shifting with the music, while the powerful, crisp sound mix made Dua’s voice center stage. 

“Break My Heart” erupted under a fractured red heart backdrop, while “One Kiss” and “Levitating” suspended the arena in a cosmic haze of starlight beams and glitter.

But what really defined the night was the atmosphere. The music flowed nonstop, with songs blending into each other like a club set. The crowd never lost momentum. By the time “New Rules” and “Dance the Night” rolled out, the arena felt less like a stadium and more like a giant disco floor, pulsing with light and energy.

Dua herself was magnetic. Her glittering outfits and makeup reflected the glow of the stage, while her long, flowing hair became part of the choreography—catching the lights, spinning in rhythm, moving like another limb of hers. 

She was sensual without being overdone, elegant without losing the fun. Even in moments when production paused for transitions, she kept it intimate, heading down to the barricade to take photos and sing with fans.

The balance was perfect: a meticulously organized production that still felt spontaneous and alive. Every dancer, lighting cue, and confetti burst served the bigger picture, but at the heart of it all was Dua—humble, radiant and in full command.

By the end of the night, the Kaseya Center didn’t feel like a venue anymore. It felt like a glittering disco dream, with Dua Lipa as both host and heartbeat.

She didn’t just perform for us, she partied with us.

The Chainsmokers light up Palm Tree Club but diehard fans wanted more

Gabriel Mena
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The Chainsmokers light up Palm Tree Club but diehard fans wanted more

Arriving at Palm Tree Club an hour early, I could feel the buzz in the air for The Chainsmokers’ 6:30 p.m. set. The waterfront venue is small and intimate — one of its biggest charms — though it sits a bit north for University of Miami students making the trip. Outdoors on the shore with its own dock, the club provided a picturesque backdrop.

Once Drew Taggart and Alex Pall took over, the crowd — mostly casual fans and Miami locals — jumped right into the party. Instead of leaning on their catalog of originals, The Chainsmokers leaned heavily into remixes, blending in everything from Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” to Travis Scott’s “Fein.” 

A faster paced “Back to Friends” and a surprising “Te Boté” cut gave the set some flavor. As a longtime fan, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of disappointment when I realized they skipped “#SELFIE,” a track that helped launch their career.

Of course, the duo didn’t leave without delivering their biggest hits. “Paris,” “Closer,” “Roses,” “Something Just Like This,” and “Don’t Let Me Down” had the crowd going, reminding everyone why The Chainsmokers remain festival headliners. 

But for diehards, the set felt more like a fun DJ showcase than a true Chainsmokers concert — missing the depth of their original music, especially from earlier albums.

For me, the night still had a personal highlight. I brought along my “So Far So Good” vinyl, holding it high for much of the set until the guys pointed and smiled my way. Fighting through the crowd, I finally made it to the front of the booth, and both members signed it — a quick moment, but one I won’t forget.

At the end of the day, I’d recommend this kind of Chainsmokers show to anyone looking for a party. Just know what you’re walking into: less of a concert, more of a high-energy DJ set with sprinkles of their biggest hits. 

For casual fans, it was everything they could ask for. For diehards like me, it left us wishing for a little more.

Tate McRae brings energy, emotion and unforgettable moments to Orlando

Grace Andruzzi
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Tate McRae brings energy, emotion and unforgettable moments to Orlando

Orlando came alive with music, movement and emotion as pop star Tate McRae took the stage at the Kia Center on Sept. 14. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. 

The atmosphere was electric from start to finish.McRae proved she’s more than just a singer, she’s a performer who knows how to turn a concert into a full-scale experience.

From the very beginning, McRae’s energy filled the arena. Her dancing was jaw-dropping, mixing precision and passion in a way that drew the audience in and kept us on our feet. 

Every routine was enhanced by her talented group of dancers, who brought the songs to life with creative choreography and seamless synchronization. Together, they made the stage feel like it was bursting with motion and excitement.

Her setlist gave fans the best of both worlds: upbeat, high-energy tracks that had the crowd screaming along, and slower, emotional moments that felt deeply personal. I especially loved the way McRae transitioned into her sadder songs on a separate stage. 

The lighting, staging and mood completely shifted, creating an intimate atmosphere as if she were singing just for us. It was one of the most thoughtful and artistic parts of the night.

Another standout moment came when McRae sat at the piano to perform some of her older songs. 

Hearing those familiar notes felt nostalgic and almost comforting, taking fans back to when they first discovered her music.It was a reminder of how much she has grown as an artist, while still staying connected to her roots.

Her wardrobe changes were another highlight. Each outfit was stylish, bold and perfectly matched to the tone of the set. The looks made a statement without distracting from the music, and they added to the overall artistry of the performance.

For me, sitting on the floor level made the night even more surreal. The view was incredible, and being that close to the stage made it feel like I was fully part of the performance. Watching McRae interact with the audience, feed off the energy of the crowd and pour her heart into every note is something I’ll never forget.

In the end, Tate McRae’s Orlando show was more than just a concert. It was a mix of music, dance, emotion and storytelling that left the entire arena buzzing. 

It’s clear that McRae is creating moments that her fans will carry with them long after the final encore.It left me more excited than ever to see what Tate McRae will do next.

H-1B visa changes  affect international students and employers

Ronen Wittenberg
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H-1B visa changes  affect international students and employers

The H-1B visa program has undergone two major updates, one in January and another in August. These changes affect international students, immigrant workers and the U.S. employers who depend on them. 

The January updates make the H-1B process more predictable for workers and employers, while the August changes create new challenges. International students on F-1 visas will benefit from longer work authorization in America while awaiting H-1B visa approval. But, these students may also face more competition for jobs under the new proposed lottery system. 

Employers may gain more flexibility to hire internationally through changes in the exemption process. They  might also have to raise wages making it more difficult to hire entry level positions. These developments are reshaping how the U.S. competes for global talent.     

International students at University Miami should be mindful of these changes as they will affect their employment opportunities in the U.S. after graduation. 

The H-1B program allows employers to hire “nonimmigrant aliens” for a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is temporary employment in the U.S. that requires highly specialized knowledge and usually a bachelor’s degree or above; typical examples include engineers,  doctors or scientists. The F-1student visa gives non-immigrants the opportunity to be students at a U.S. institution such as a college. 

On Jan.  17, changes to the H-1B program were imposed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services focusing on streamlining the approval process and improving job security. 

One important provision that streamlines the process is that government organizations, nonprofit researchers, and universities can qualify for a cap exemption for their employees without having to show that research and education are their main focus. This cap exemption means that employers do not have to participate in the H-1B lottery and can file unlimited petitions for as many qualified workers as needed, making it easier to expand their  hiring.

The January rule also increases the cap-gap protection for F-1 students moving to H-1B status allowing for improved future job security. F-1 students are foreign students attending or admitted to a U.S. university. They now receive up to six more months of authorization to work in the U.S. while waiting for H-1B approval. 

Batt Mihawk, a junior mechanical engineering student and international student on an F-1 visa, is planning for future H-1B eligibility. He commented on the extended work authorization. 

 “Six more months of authorization helps foreign students attending universities pay for their living expenses while awaiting H-1B visa authorization,” he said.

Entrepreneurs also benefit. In the past, it was difficult for foreign nationals who owned a U.S. business to obtain H-1B visas because they were not considered employees. The new rule clarifies that entrepreneurs can qualify if they meet the basic H-1B requirements, regardless of company ownership.

In August, two vital changes were introduced. First, USCIS and the U.S. Department of State updated the policy for Child Protection Act (CSPA) age calculation. The new rule says that CSPA age will be based on the Final Action Dates chart.

 In the past, visas could be obtained for CSPA applicants from either final action dates or dates for filings. The change reduces protection for children waiting a long time for green cards, since they will age out sooner once they turn 21. This applies to requests filed on or after August 15, 2025.

Second, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule to change the H-1B lottery system. Currently, the lottery provides 85,000 visas each year to qualified individuals. The proposal would replace the random lottery with a weighted process that favors applicants with higher wages and advanced degrees. 

If the proposal is approved, many employers may struggle to hire people at junior level salaries and may need to raise wages, increasing global recruitment costs. F-1 students and H-1B workers would also be affected, as the process would become more competitive and favor higher paid jobs.

Some of the rules are designed to make the program more predictable and easier to use, while others could make it more competitive and costly. Recent graduates currently on F-1 may welcome the January changes but likely be in opposition to the proposed weighted lottery system introduced in August. 

These new proposed changes will impact international students by making it more difficult to get an entry level job in a stem related field and be disadvantageous to companies who offer lower wages, since it will reduce their selection rate. Overall, these changes have broad implications for both international students seeking a U.S. job and employers who hire them.

UHealth expands with SoLé Mia ambulatory center

Katie Karlson
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UHealth expands with SoLé Mia ambulatory center

SoLé Mia, UHealth’s newest development and largest ambulatory center in North Miami, opened for patients on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The property is a 184-acre development with outpatient care, residential spaces, restaurants and stores. 

SoLé Mia features a collaboration between UHealth Orthopedics and the Hospital for Special Surgery. HSS has been ranked the No.1 orthopedic hospital in the U.S. for 16 years in a row. 

The ambulatory center is for outpatient services only, meaning that patients can stay up to 23 hours before being discharged. Specialists from all of UHealth’s top-ranked services are providing care at SoLé Mia, including those from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

The clinical building itself is seven stories tall with an adjacent parking garage, 110 exam rooms, 10 operating rooms and 33 clinical units designed for cancer treatment. It is the first UHealth building to integrate artificial intelligence into its design. Artificial intelligence, including ambient listening, will reduce administrative work and improve operational efficiency so that doctors can spend more time with patients.

Dr. Joseph Pizzolato, an oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Care Center, is excited for SoLé Mia to bring a positive health care experience to his community. 

“With the opening of Lennar in Coral Gables in 2016, we began to see what was possible in healthcare,” he said. “The feeling of cold waiting rooms, endless wait times and the need to travel all over the county for appointments to see the best doctors vanished upon entering the building.”

Dr. Pizzolato said that SoLé Mia is the newest, most advanced version of this vision.

“With SoLé Mia, we are bringing true, world-class care to the North Dade and Miami Beach area,” he said. “As I have served this area for over 21 years, I’m excited for the community to truly experience this and put an end to the negative stigma of healthcare.” 

The artwork in the building is very intentional, helping to eliminate the sterile feeling in many hospitals. The bottom floor starts with art representing dusk and the top floor mimics the sunrise. 

“The Colors of Sound” painting by Nicolle Cure, a former UHealth patient who experienced sudden hearing loss in 2017, hangs on the audiology floor.  

UHealth SoLé Mia’s opening has created 650 new jobs in addition to new spots for physicians rotating between UHealth locations. This location is purely a clinical enterprise and is not intended for medical research or student research. Developers invested more than $1.2 billion into the community, which includes UHealth and other properties. 

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, is most excited about SoLé Mia’s technology and new programs. 

“After 17 years of serving this community, I’ve seen firsthand the lack of access to cutting-edge research, top multidisciplinary care and opportunities for true community engagement. The new UHealth Sole Mia changes that,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “For the first time, patients can receive world-class care, take part in groundbreaking research and connect with wellness programs — all under one roof, close to home.”

This opening comes just less than a year after UHealth Doral opened, showing the expanding presence of UHealth and its contribution to the local economy and job market. 

According to Dr. Gilberto de Lima Lopes Jr., associate director for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, “UHealth represents a little more than 60% of UM’s operational revenue.”

Dr. Lopes feels that expanding into the North Miami and Aventura areas is going to improve access to care.

“This offers new referral channels, easier access to patients, and possibly alleviation of pressure on central facilities,” he said.

While patients will not be able to stay overnight, patients can visit SoLé Mia for consultations, laboratory tests, X-rays and follow up visits. There are no in-patient beds, so patients would need to choose a different UHealth location if they require hospitalization. 

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visits UM on book tour

Hannah Valdivia
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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visits UM on book tour

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited the University of Miami for a live interview in partnership with Robert B. Cole lecture series at the UM Law School and local bookstore Books & Books. CBS News Anchor, Erika Gonzalez, hosted the interview. 

Sotomayor shared important lessons from her new children’s book “Just Shine! How to Be a Better You,” inspired by the life of her late mother, Celina Báez. It follows Baez’s experiences as a young immigrant from Puerto Rico.  

“She [her mother] came into the world with very little, and left it with so much grace and love,” said Sotomayor. “Everything that was good in me came from my mother. I didn’t realize that she was my first and best teacher … sometimes we wait too late to appreciate that.”

Sotomayor explained that while she did not have a perfect relationship with her mother, she instilled many of the values and world views that Sotomayor still keeps today. 

“My mother was so incredibly humble,” said Justice Sotomayor. 

She also discussed how her mother was not affectionate towards her growing up, and this was something both Sotomayor and her mother had to learn well into adulthood.  

About halfway through the interview, Sotomayor stood up and announced that she would be walking through the crowd to embrace each of the children in the audience.

As she walked through the crowd, she continued answering the hosts questions while also thanking guests for attending and making conversation with the children who attended.  

Sotomayor praised her mother as her ultimate inspiration and made it evident how much she cherishes their relationship. 

“My mother made me the justice I am today. She made me the judge and person that I am,” she said. 

Gonzalez asked about Sotomayor’s thoughts on the school system’s teaching about civics and government. Justice Sotomayor emphasized the need for citizens to understand and utilize their freedoms while participating in government. 

“Unless you know the sense of why we [democratic government] are what we are, you won’t know enough to protect it,” said Sotomayor. 

Guests pose with copies of Just Shine! during Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor’s visit to the University of Miami. // Ryan Pinder, contributed photo

Justice Sotomayor proceeded to answer previously submitted and selected questions of several University of Miami Law students who attended the event. 

One student asked about the role that compassion plays in making a decision as a United States Supreme Court Justice. 

“I don’t rule based on what I think is fair in terms of morality. I have to rule on what I think is right under the law,” Sotomayor said.

She went on to distinguish her use of empathy in making a court decision from compassion, sharing that empathy is only applied in trying to understand the other side of an argument, but it does not factor into her decisions as a supreme court justice. 

The final question asked was “What gives you hope?”

“I believe today and every day we have people who will stand up and do the right thing. The people I can inspire most to do that … are kids,” said Justice Sotomayor.

Her book, “Just Shine!” can currently be found online and in bookstores for purchase. 

Freshman student turns dorm room into nail studio

Hannah Valdivia
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Freshman student turns dorm room into nail studio

Freshman Elena “Elle” Price is offering University of Miami students a more affordable way to get a manicure on campus.

It’s easy to pay more than $80 for a simple french-tip gel-fill manicure in a city like Coral Gables. With limited time and money, students go to the very first salon recommended to them by their classmate or suitemate. 

Price began doing nails on herself about three years ago. 

“I was tired of paying for nails,” she said. 

She found it was cheaper to figure it out herself through TikTok tutorials and Youtube videos rather than driving to a nail salon, waiting two to three hours and then having to return two weeks later. 

While the idea began as a hobby, Price shared that it grew into a business when she realized she could be making a profit that would fund her tuition at UM. 

“When I realized I wanted to come to UM and how expensive it was, I started my Instagram to show off my work and it went really well,” said Price. 

Now, she is almost fully booked until mid-October. 

“Space is definitely the biggest challenge, but I’ve managed to make that work,” Price said. 

Price’s advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs like herself is to not be scared. It may seem daunting or challenging at first, but the end result is always worth it. 

“Its great to get to be my own boss, I get to set my own schedule and prices which is really nice” said Price. 

Among the 11% of US students with their own business, Price has tapped into a very unique group of students who don’t just dream about their idea but actually go out and do it. 

“If you’re passionate about it, go for it,” said Price. 

Although she is fully booked at the moment, appointments can be made via her business Instagram account: nails_by_elle. The prices are also listed on her Instagram, starting at $40 for gel extensions and $25 for natural gel nails.  

New Publix megastore opens across from campus

Vivian Amoia
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New Publix megastore opens across from campus

A brand-new Publix opened right across from campus on Thursday, Sept. 25. Located at 1542 S. Dixie Hwy, this 46,000 square foot megastore spans a full block and will provide students with accessible groceries.

The megastore — called Riviera Plaza — includes two floors, a two-level parking garage and a customer seating area with window dining. It also features the traditional departments like deli, produce, bakery, meat, seafood, catering and pharmacy, along with special services like delivery, powered by Instacart.

“It has a full-blown bakery,” says Sumner Bradley, a UM student and Publix customer. “It’s so much easier to get Pubsubs now because the counter isn’t small and in the back of a cramped grocery store.”

“We are excited to welcome customers to their new Publix. The store reflects our commitment to quality, service and fresh offerings,” Publix said in a statement.

Along with welcoming new customers, Publix also celebrated its 95th anniversary by handing out commemorative reusable bags to the first 95 customers at the grand opening. 

The new Riviera Plaza location will operate next door to the Publix on Monza Avenue which opened in 1963.

The Monza Avenue location used to be the closest Publix to campus, making it very popular among students and local shoppers. It had small, narrow aisles and one long checkout line — a stark contrast to the superstore that’s now double the size. 

“I really enjoyed the new Publix. It was very clean and well laid out, and I thought there was a good selection of everything,” said Lucy Sanford, UM student and Publix customer.

The store is within walking distance of the Coral Gables campus, making it easy for students without a vehicle to buy groceries. Students can also opt for a free, roundtrip ride with Freebie from 7 p.m. until closing.

The size, products, prices and convenience of the new Publix will ensure a steady stream of  UM students as customers for years to come. 

 

Havana Harry’s shuts down: What happened & where to eat instead

Kelly McDermott
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Kelly dives into the controversy surrounding the indefinite closure of Havana Harry’s, a beloved spot for UM students and Coral Gables locals. Although the restaurant’s social media posts cite “renovations,” city records reveal that it was ordered to close on August 21 due to health inspection issues, details that remain undisclosed. Kelly breaks down the situation, why the messaging is frustrating students, and offers alternative spots to grab a bite near campus, including Ohho Noodles, Pura Vida, Coyo Taco, Crema, Sushi Sake, and Craft in South Miami.

Delightful Dozen: Miami Volleyball wins 12th straight

Zach Cohen
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Delightful Dozen: Miami Volleyball wins 12th straight

The No. 24 Miami Hurricanes Women’s Volleyball continued to dominate and dazzle as ACC play kicks into high gear. 

On Sunday afternoon, the Hurricanes stormed into the Jervey Gym at Clemson University to defeat the Tigers (12-2, 0-2 ACC) in three sets.

The first set started off with back-and-forth action, with Miami finally pulling away when they took a 14-12 lead. Redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez recorded consecutive kills to get the two-point advantage. The New York native had 30 assists, the fifth time she has done so this season.

Outside hitter Amina N’Diaye went on to record four kills to close out the first set, leading Miami to a 25-19 victory in the first set. 

Miami put themselves in the driver’s seat during the second set. Senior Flormarie Heredia Colon, coming off back-to-back ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors, picked up five kills in the second set. Senior Naylani Feliciano led the second set in digs with five. The Hurricanes had a .407 hitting percentage and four blocks. The set had four lead changes, as UM won the second set 25-18.

Up 2-0, Miami was just one set away from its third consecutive sweep. Junior Ava Carney got into the mix with four kills in the set. And leading 5-2 in the set, the Hurricanes went on a 10-1 run. The Tigers attempted to come back in the frame, but Miami got the job done, winning the third set 25-18.

The Hurricanes led in all major categories with Heredia Colon leading the game in kills (14), attacks (34), and points (17.5).

Hurricanes volleyball (12-1, 2-0 ACC) is off to its best start since its 2002 season, when it went 26-0. 

Miami will continue to play two more ACC games on the road before heading back home, with the next game scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, at NC State.

Twisted Tweed brought an electric country performance to Patio Jams

Miguel Escobar
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Twisted Tweed brought an electric country performance to Patio Jams

Twisted Tweed became the first band to hit the Patio Jams stage on the 2025 – 2026 Patio Jams tour Thursday, Sept. 25. Their country extravaganza got the crowd on its feet. 

Made up of drummer Chelsea Román, guitarist Richard Heller, vocalist Vincent, bassist Christian Gallucci and keyboardist Carmelo Alcantar, the band was started last year when all band members were freshman at the Frost School of Music. Although country music wasn’t everyone’s style to begin with, the band has embraced this genre and made it their identity. 

Drummer Chelsea Román was the one who came up with the idea to start the band. When they first started, “everything was going wrong,” she said, as they were unable to find their sound. However, through perseverance and motivation the band grew stronger and stronger. 

What makes their performances different from the others? “We just really have a lot of fun,” vocalist Vincent Casal said.

Every band member brings something different and special to the table since they all come from different musical backgrounds. They are all able to draw on the different influences they grew up with, making their sound unique from other country groups or artists.

All members of the band expressed a sense of not just growing as musicians, but also growing as people during their time at the University of Miami. They look forward to learning how to better work as a collective rather than as an individual. The band is focusing both on covering songs and producing originals by Casal. 

Catch them on Sept. 25 at Patio Jams at the Lakeside Patio for an electric  and energetic performance. Get ready to jam to crowd favorites like Kenny Loggins’s “Footloose” and Noah Kahan’s “Homesick.” You will also get to hear some of Vincent Casal’s originals, such as “Come Home Tonight” and “I See Red.” 

Follow Twisted Tweed and listen to their music on social media to stay up-to-date on the rising stars.

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