TikTok goes dark, Trump steps in to delay the ban
News // Page 3
The 47th Inauguration, UM students react
News // Page 2
Student infuencers on freedom, security and the future of TikTok
A&E // Page 9
Trump’s Inauguration Day stirs mixed feelings around campus
By Rhea Shivnani Contributing Writer
President Donald Trump’s inauguration has brought mixed emotions to the University of Miami’s campus, as the 47th U.S. President clinched his second win since his term in 2016. Before Trump, the last Republican to win the presidency was George W. Bush, who secured reelection in 2004.
The UM College Republicans hosted a watch party at the Titanic Brewery to witness the inauguration and many students were spotted wearing MAGA hats around the Coral Gables campus on Jan. 20.
With a mixture of excitement and apprehension, many Miami-Dade residents and UM students are monitoring the effects of his proposed policies on their everyday lives.
Trump expressed his promise to commence the “golden age of America” in his inaugural address, which took place indoors in the U.S. Capitol. He addressed topics such as border protection, economic measures like implementing tarifs on imported products and repealed environmental initiatives like the Green New Deal.
“Trump spoke about his wishes to make America great but he fails to acknowledge
how his doubling down on fossil fuels is a disaster for the planet and future generations,” said Kayla Williams, a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering.
Shortly after the speech, the president declared his intention to sign executive orders that would afect inclusion initiatives by recognizing only two genders in the U.S., revoking federal electric vehicle regulations and declaring a national emergency at the southern border to crack down on immigration and unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“As a person of color and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have great concerns about the future of democracy,” said Daniel Mair, a freshman majoring in political science at UM. “Trump has intentions of getting rid of checks and balances, encouraging monopolistic practices and the concentration of wealth. I’m also concerned about the inclusive community we as people worked so hard to build and whether marginalized groups will ever be heard again.”
Some students view Trump’s victory as a chance to bring traditional values and economic revitalization back to the U.S. However, others continue to question whether political institutions will remain intact.
In Florida, Trump obtained support
from a number of demographics, including Black voters, Cuban communities and U.S. immigrants.
Trump gained 15% of the vote among Black voters in 2024, a fve-point increase since 2020.
Regardless, many Black voters remain discontent with his victory. Aliyah Heaven, a freshman studying political science, expressed her feelings about Inauguration Day falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the third time in recent history.
“It is very unfortunate that the holiday honoring the man who lost his life for Black civil rights and the inauguration of a president who has made derogatory remarks about immigrants and Black people coincide,” she said.
The red wave in Miami-Dade during this election has been observed and has sparked controversies on campus about which political issues matter most to Floridians.
The 2024 FIU Cuba Poll, the longest-
running survey of Cuban Americans in the country, found that 68% of Cubans in Miami-Dade County prefer Trump as their leader.
“A big part of [Trump’s win] has to be the Cuban community in Miami and the desire to not revert back into ways of socialism, which have been associated with the Democratic party,” said Osei Allen, a junior at UM studying political science and psychology.
Miami-Dade is also home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., with 53% of its residents born abroad.
Advocacy groups, like the Florida Immigrant Coalition, have noted a sharp rise in fear and uncertainty among undocumented residents, which is approximately 5% of Floridians.
Student opinions on the implications of the new administration have clashed since Trump’s reelection in November 2024.
“It’s going to cause a lot of problems in the country, but we should still respect the president,” said Nadiya Baig, a sophomore majoring in entrepreneurship
In the meantime, outgoing President Biden refected on his fnal day in ofce in South Carolina, paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and restating his cautions about threats of an expanding oligarchy in his farewell speech.
Driver convicted in crash that killed UM student, sentenced to 6 months probation
By Lauren Ferrer Managing Editor
Family and friends of Daniel Bishop said justice was not served on sentencing day for the woman convicted in the crash that killed the University of Miami student on March 4, 2024.
“The courtroom was packed full of people. Most were direct family and family friends,” a UM student and close friend of Daniel’s who attended the sentencing and requested to stay anonymous, said. “There were a few UM students; however, I know many felt that it would be too emotional to attend.”
Daniel was a senior mathematics and psychology major at UM set to graduate in 2024 who was struck and killed while riding his scooter near Lejeune Road and Altara Avenue. Following his death, there was an outpour-
ing of support from students and faculty who were impacted by Daniel.
During the hearing on Jan. 9, Veronica Bilbao de la Vega was found guilty and received probation instead of the maximum sentence of 60 days in jail. The 38-year-old was also given a trafc ticket for having a license that expired in 2020.
“My son had everything to live for,” Susan Bishop told the local media outside the courtroom. “He had the brightest future. He was a teacher and a mentor and a leader, and he had everything to live for. He had his whole life in front of him.”
Bilbao de la Vega pleaded no contest to the charges. During the hearing, she appeared visibly upset as an ofcer testifed about the crash, recounting that both wheels of the truck she was driving struck Daniel, who was crossing the street at the time. The walk signal was on, and she was driving at 17 mph through a green light when the accident happened. Bilbao
de la Vega remained at the scene.
BikeSafe and WalkSafe, two groups associated with the University of Miami health system, identifed the site of Bishop’s crash as having a commonplace but hazardous design that endangers pedestrians crossing the street.
The design is a common setup whereby drivers can turn left on a solid green light while yielding to oncoming trafc and pedestrians. At the Le Jeune Road crossing and similar intersections that use the “left-turn-yield-on-green” light cycle, pedestrians get the “walk” signal while drivers are turning into their path. “There’s no warning you can get Tboned,” according to WalkSafe.
The Coral Gables City Commission approved assigning trafc safety ofcers to Coral Gables High School. Police Chief Edward Hudak recommended using ofcers with citation authority instead of crossing guards.
Bilbao de la Vega is a public defender and the wife of the president of a prominent realty company. Before her sentencing, her husband asked a judge to consider her character.
“I want the court to know this accident has deeply afected Veronica,” he said.
“The moment I arrived at the scene, Veronica was inconsolable. She was shaking uncontrollably. From that day forward, your honor, she has not been the same person. She prays with a rosary every night seeking solace for not only herself but her family.”
Bishop’s family hoped to see Bilbao de la Vega serve jail time, but she was instead sentenced to six months probation and 500 hours of community service in tutoring or mentoring underprivileged kids.
“I don’t think anyone is really satisfed with the outcome of the sentencing. Regardless of intention, someone died,” the student said. “Obviously, nothing is going
to bring Daniel back, but I think the outcome was a little lenient.”
Bishop’s mother spoke in court during the sentencing.
“How can a lawyer, a mother, a community member drive knowingly with an expired license, not be careful when watching the road in front of her, and kill an innocent pedestrian on a crosswalk?” she said. “There’s no way to enact any real justice, and the punishment will never ft the crime.”
Attorney Robert Boyers, who is representing the Bishop family, said they will soon fle a civil lawsuit against Bilbao de la Vega.
“Criminal law has limitations in terms of holding negligent parties accountable, even when that negligence resulted in catastrophic loss,” he said to WSVN. “The prosecutors’ hands were tied, but ours are not, and we intend to hold the defendant fully accountable in the civil justice system.”
Office of Vice President of the United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons President Trump and Vice President JD Vance shake hands a er taking the oath of office during the inauguration at Capitol One Arena in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20, 2025.
Trump delays TikTok ban, restoring app to U.S. users before inauguration
By Mel Tenkoff Assistant News Editor
TikTok was temporarily removed from U.S. app stores on the night of Saturday, Jan. 18, only to be restored 15 hours later, following an announcement by President Donald Trump to sign an executive order delaying the ban.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” Trump said on Truth Social. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take efect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
While TikTok went dark, a message on the app read, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on the solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes ofce.” The quick return left many wondering if the platform’s removal was part of a broader political strategy, given the president’s past eforts to ban the app.
“I’m glad TikTok is back but I’m not
going to praise Trump for being the one to do it,” said Corinne Kelly, a senior studying entrepreneurship at the University of Miami, in response to the TikTok message crediting “President Trump’s eforts” once the app restored service.
The short-video sharing app has been at the center of U.S. national security concerns due to its parent company’s (Byte Dance) connections to the Chinese Communist Party. It was frst fagged as a potential threat by Trump in July 2020, as retaliation for China’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, a number of lawmakers have expressed skepticism about TikTok’s eforts to safeguard U.S. user data, regardless of TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s testimony before a Congressional committee in March 2023.
Before the app’s brief removal, Trump remarked that he had a “warm spot” for it in his heart, citing its potential role in helping him win over younger voters by a margin of 34 points.
“Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump said at a rally on Sun-
day, Jan. 19, adding that the United States will seek a joint venture to restore the app used by over 170 million Americans.
User speculation suggested that those who downloaded TikTok before the ban would still have access but be unable to update the app, eventually making it nonfunctional. When the ban was enforced, users were greeted with an unexpected message stating that content was restricted in the U.S.
With the app functioning again, it remains unclear if the content creation platform will be here to stay in the future.
“It doesn’t make any sense. How can it be saved by someone who wasn’t in ofce yet,” said Claire Bitner, a senior studying communications and sociology at UM.
While the specifcs of the negotiations between Trump and TikTok remain unclear, the situation highlights the infuence that Trump continues to have over tech companies including Meta, X and TikTok.
This year, Trump’s inaugural guest list included some of the nation’s most pow-
erful tech leaders, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, X CTO and DOGE cochair Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jef Bezos and TikTok CEO Chew.
On Jan. 7, Meta replaced its traditional fact-checkers with a community notes feature, similar to the one on X. Meanwhile, X’s CTO Musk has built a strong relationship with Trump on the campaign trail, backing the president with more than a quarter of a billion dollars.
Now, Trump has created a connection with the CEO and the millions of TikTok users in the U.S., giving himself a seat at the table for discussions regarding the future of the platform.
“To me it sounds like there was so much more at play than just issues with data,” Bitner said. “[Trump’s team] hoped this would gain the TikTok generation’s favor but most of us just don’t understand the point of it all.”
According to the TikTok Policy X account, TikTok “will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” during the 90-day extension.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on the solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office .”
TikTok
A new stage: University of Miami unveils state-of-the-art theater building
By Ross Kluger Contributing Writer
The University of Miami’s new Theatre Arts Building ofcially opened its doors for the Spring semester, bringing the theatre department back to the Coral Gables campus since its relocation to First United Methodist Church in 2022.
The two-story, 15,000-square-foot structure houses classrooms, dressing rooms, six practice rooms, a black box theatre, a student lounge, a design studio and a dance studio. Students in the theatre department have indicated their admiration for the new establishment.
The grand opening featured a 1950sthemed celebration on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. with music, dancing and tours of the new building.
Gavin Thorne, a freshman majoring in data science and AI with a minor in theatrics, was impressed with the appearance.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to study in the new theatre building,” said Thorne.
“I love the design and its vibrant yellow accents, and look forward to taking more classes there in the future.”
The new building boasts numerous benefts, starting with its improved location. Previously, theatre students made the walk to their classes at the renovated First United Methodist Church on Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
“We’re giddy with excitement,” said Oliver Whitehouse, a senior studying musical theatre. “It’s all streamlined now in a way that empowers us to create the things we want to create.”
Located directly across from the Herbert Wellness Center, students will be spared the 15-minute walk from the heart of campus, allowing them more time to work on their craft and get around with ease.
Kate Bevilacqua, a junior studying musical theatre, is grateful for the quality of life enhancements.
“Being on campus is such a lifestyle upgrade, not just for the culture of our department but also for the productiveness of the classroom,” said Bevilacqua.
Alex Hooper, a freshman studying theatre design and technology, believes the closer location will foster a stronger sense of community with his classmates and peers that are involved in theatre.
“Since it’s so much closer and has new community areas, I think it will be
a great space where people hang out, in addition to its role as a classroom building,” Hooper said.
The facility incorporates many standout features, such as a signifcantly larger studio theatre as well as a design studio that doubles as a light lab.
“The new studio theatre is great from a lighting perspective, because we have access to state-of-the-art technology as well as new lighting fxtures to work with,” Hooper said. “Plus it’s larger than our old space, which is great because it will provide us with more fexibility.”
Technological advancements are another highlight of the new structure. The studio theatre comes with cutting-edge lighting fxtures and advanced equipment aimed at enhancing both educational and everyday uses.
“The new technology means we can test out lighting equipment and confgurations in ways we couldn’t before,” Hooper said.
By blending appealing designs alongside advanced technology, the theatre department has created an environment not just for functionality but for community.
“It feels like we’re getting recognition in a way that hasn’t been felt before… you walk in and you think ‘this feels like the University of Miami,”’ Whitehouse said.
Emily Rice // Senior Staff Photographer
The new Theater Arts Building on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
A conversation with Joe Echevarria News Brief: What the duck? The great duck migration of 2025
By Ashley Sewall News Editor
Students returning to the University of Miami for the spring semester noticed a decreased population of the common muscovy ducks that are frequently on campus.
A video of the ducks being captured by Lakeside Village went viral on Instagram after being posted by RedCup Miami (@redcup.miami) on Jan. 12 with several comments expressing concern.
“Some of the campus ducks are reportedly being rounded up and shipped to Naples,” the post said. “As far as we can tell, no ducks have been harmed. Is this a W or an L for the campus environment?”
The University shared that the ducks are an invasive, non-native species to Florida, and that they are constantly monitoring the population.
“As the population of ducks increase, especially around food establishments and residential buildings, the University will periodically relocate a small portion of the population to a sanctuary,” the University said in a statement to The Hurricane.
“The University contracts with an experienced and licensed vendor to conduct the relocation, which is done humanely and safely. In the past, the University has sought guidance from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the safe removal of the Muscovy ducks.”
The muscovy ducks are a non-native and invasive species to Florida, and are known to be aggressive and transmit diseases, according to All Florida Pest Control.
This is not the first time ducks have been removed from the Coral Gables campus. In 2016, ducks were removed from outside the Mahoney-Pearson dining hall and sent to Baptist Hospital of Miami in Kendall due to health and safety concerns.
By Jenny Jacoby Editor-in-Chief
In 2024, The Hurricane had the opportunity to speak with Joe Echevarria for the frst time as the president of the University of Miami.
Student media asked Echevarria about his aspirations for the position, what earned him the presidency, his history with the University and the success he brought to the UHealth side of UM.
Echevarria, the seventh president of the University and frst alumni to hold the title, was appointed acting president after Julio Frenk’s departure for UCLA on June 12, 2024. After a search process, Echevarria was confrmed the ofcial president on October 18, 2024 by the Board of Trustees, transitioning from a lifetime in the business sector to the education sphere.
Echevarria has held an array of important titles, including CEO of Deloitte LLP, the company he joined on the ground level after his graduation from UM in 1978. He has also been active in UM leadership for over a decade, joining the Board of Trustees in 2012 and stepping in as CEO of UHealth in 2020. In 2022 Echevarria took on a new role, CEO of the university, an innovative position unheard of at most colleges that allowed the educational and medical arms of the university to be united under one leadership.
Echevarria maintains his status as CEO of UHealth, and efectively the University of Miami, in addition to his title of president. An ofcial date for his inauguration has not yet been announced.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity below.
What allows you to rise up to take on authority positions in so many different spaces?
“I have a natural inclination to want to be the hardest working person in the room. Because you can’t always be the smartest person in the room with really smart people in the world, but you can always decide how much work and effort you put in,” he said.
Echevarria explained that while in
the position, he will make every efort to be where students need him to be.
“Wherever I can interact with my students, my faculty and my patients, I’ll do it. And it’s really up to all of you. I try to create and take down bridges where there’s some barrier between us.”
For example, he says, he answers all of his own emails.
The other key to his success is knowing how to surround himself with talented people. Echevarria has no formal background in education or academia, a noticeable change from previous presidents Frenk and Donna Shalala.
“I don’t know that I’m particularly great at anything, but I’ve always been in the company of great people, and that’s always been part of my success,” Echevarria said.
Of the branches of UM, academics, healthcare and sports, what is your priority?
“This is where the for-proft world and that level of sophistication helps us,” he said.
“They’re part of the university, but what I need and what we need in the health system is diferent than what I need for student life. What I need in athletics is diferent than what I need in the academic core. They don’t all need the same thing. There’s some common threads, but there’s a lot of distinctions that exist.”
“What we know today is the institution we call the University of Miami cannot be successful if the health system isn’t successful. It is mathematically impossible. You have just got to accept it. Why? Because 80% of the size of the institution sits in our academic health system.”
“Athletics, believe it or not, can have wins and losses. And the university can still work. Yeah, we’re not happy on certain days, but it’s not going to change the trajectory of the institution. But, the health system will,” Echevarria said.
Of the $6 billion UM generates in proft, $5 billion come from the sprawling healthcare system. For Echevarria, focusing on UHealth frst was an obvious choice. He needed to ensure that this system was “humming” before taking on major fnancial projects in the rest of the university. Being able to aford head football coach Mario Cristobal’s $80 million, 10-year contract is a direct result of the healthcare system succeeding, he explained.
“The prioritization is the culture and excellence in everything we do,” he said. “Is that going to help my students, my patients and my research? Nope? Not interested. Is that going to advance my faculty? Because they’re the ones who deliver the mission.”
To read the full interview, visit themiamihurricane.com.
Lauren Ferrer // Contributed Photo
President Joe Echevarria meets with student media leaders on Nov. 20, 2024.
Michelle Orozco // Staff Photographer
A duck rests peacefully under a tree at the University of Miami, enjoying a moment of calm in the shade on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
University of Miami supports Southern California students affected by LA wildfires
By Mel Tenkoff Assistant News Editor
Wildfres that erupted in the Los Angeles area during the fnal week of winter break have signifcantly disrupted the lives of University of Miami students from Southern California.
In response to the natural disaster, UM extended support to its students, many of whom were directly and indirectly afected by the crisis.
Vice President for Student Afairs and Alumni Engagement Patricia A. Whitely reached out to students who are residents of Los Angeles and Orange County in response to the ongoing wildfres in those areas.
In her message, Whitely acknowledged the severity of the fres and reassured students of the University’s availability to assist those afected.
“As we watch the devastation caused by the wildfres in Los Angeles, I want to ensure you know that we are here
for you,” Whitely said in the statement. “Our experiences with extreme weather make it all too familiar how destructive impacts and the aftermath can afect a community.”
Jake Baum, a junior studying broadcast journalism at UM, shared his experience as one of the university’s students who was evacuated due to the ongoing fres.
“My family had to evacuate our apartment in Calabasas. I wish I could say that was the frst time we had to do so. Back when I was in high school, we had to evacuate twice within a month at one point, due to the Woolsey Fires,” he said.
The Pacifc Palisades Fire, which ignited on Jan. 7 in the coastal area of northwestern Los Angeles approximately 20 minutes out of Calabases, quickly grew out of control due to powerful Santa Ana winds, scorching over 23,700 acres in less than 48 hours.
“My brother, who was home at the time of this fre, when the power shut of and evacuation orders were given,
grabbed our dogs and valuables and went to where it was safe,” Baum said. “We were lucky he had a place to go, and know that not everyone is as fortunate as we were.”
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, which spread throughout Pasadena and Altadena, and other fres in Hollywood Hills and the San Fernando Valley led to additional evacuations in the later hours of Jan. 7.
Jensen Ring, a junior from Manhattan Beach, Calif. studying organizational leadership at UM, described the overwhelming sight of the fres as he left Los Angeles to return to Miami for the spring semester.
“It’s very devastating to see what Los Angeles has been going through,” Ring said. “As I was taking of from LAX, you couldn’t even see anything on one side of the plane due to all the smoke in the air.”
The fres have caused widespread destruction, burning over 15,000 structures, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and leaving many without homes.
For students like Ring who were not directly afected, witnessing the after-
math of the disaster and seeing their city in ruins remains devastating.
“I want to thank all the brave men and women who have been combating the fres across the city,” Ring said. “This is something that we can’t get numb to, and I hope that we can all continue to keep the families who have lost their lives and homes in our prayers.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on the frst day of the Palisades Fire ignition, deploying over 15,000 frefghting personnel within a week.
Victor Jaimes, a sophomore from Miami majoring in mathematics, shared that he initially did not realize the scale of the disaster, since he was witnessing it second-hand through multiple news platforms.
“When I heard about the fres, I thought they were just like the regular fres California gets a lot of, so I didn’t think too much of it,” Jaimes said. “But then I started seeing pictures in New York Times notifcations and social me-
dia, and it was just insane how close to LA the fres were.”
According to NBC News, there were close to 200,000 people under evacuation orders as frefghting crews continued to battle the fres and increase containment percentages.
Jaimes expressed that he was particularly struck by the fres’ proximity to iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign and the speed at which they had spread.
“It was really sad seeing all the burnt houses, and then seeing videos of people returning to where their houses used to be and seeing nothing,” Jaimes said.
In response to the crisis, Whitely reassured students that the University is ready to assist anyone whose family has been seriously impacted by the fres.
“With the ongoing impacts of a natural disaster, it is impossible to know how your life may have been interrupted or impacted,” she said in her email. “Please know we will do our best to assist students whose families have been signifcantly impacted.”
Actress Sydney Sweeney named sweetheart of newest UM fraternity Theta Chi
By Melody Royaee Senior Staff Writer
Sydney Sweeney will be the 2025 sweetheart for Theta Chi – Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Miami, the fraternity announced via Instagram on Jan. 9.
The 27-year-old actress is known for her roles in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The White Lotus,” “Anyone But You” and most notably as Cassie Howard in HBO’s “Euphoria,” which garnered more than 16 million viewers per episode, 50% of whom are members of Generation Z.
Born in Washington and raised in Idaho, Sweeney has no formal ties to the University of Miami. She briefy attended UCLA.
Sweeney, who has 23.4 million followers on Instagram, suggested an upcoming appearance at a Theta Chi event in her comment on their post: “my favorite group of guys, see you soon ;).”
A “fraternity sweetheart” is a woman chosen by a fraternity chapter to repre-
sent the organization, typically attending events and participating in philanthropy. Sweethearts are the public face of the fraternity and serve as a symbol of the values that it seeks to uphold.
University of Miami fraternities typically select a member of a sorority with whom they “mix.” Though nontraditional, having a celebrity of Sweeney’s stature as sweetheart certainly serves to bolster Theta Chi’s reputation. Theta Chi is the newest fraternity organization at UM, having established its chapter in March 2024.
The move by Theta Chi stirred signifcant online buzz. Red Cup Miami, a Barstool Sports afliate, reacted just hours later on Instagram: “@thetachi_umiami, we weren’t familiar with your game.”
Men’s lifestyle magazine Bro Bible also wrote via Instagram, “it’s difcult to think of a more elite fraternity sweetheart [than] Sydney Sweeney. Hats of, fellas.”
According to sources, the Vice President of UM’s Theta Chi chapter is a relative of Sweeney’s longtime fance, Jonathan Davino.
His social media presence indicates he attended the MTV Video Music
Awards as a guest of Sweeney in 2022. It is unclear if any other fraternity members know her personally.
This move comes as Greek life at UM grows larger and more prevalent than ever. Earlier this month, the Panhellenic Association ran its largest recruitment cycle in school history, with over 1,000 women seeking to join sororities.
“I think there’s been a cultural shift at UM in recent years that’s made it more of a ‘southern’ school by a lot of metrics. As in, the top frats and sororities have a lot of social capital. And being in one is defnitely a status symbol,” said a fourthyear member of Greek life who wishes to remain anonymous.
“But obviously this school is a lot more metropolitan than … [the University of] Alabama for example, so it makes sense that someone here has a connection with a major A-list celebrity and was able to make that happen.”
Sweeney is the second new-age celebrity to be announced a UM sweetheart in the last year. She joins model and infuencer Abella Danger, who is a UM undergraduate and sweetheart of Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”).
Photo courtesy of Theta Chi, Delta Epsilon Chapter Sydney Sweeney poses with Seppe Butera, vice president of the University of Miami’s Theta Chi chapter, before a ending the MTV Awards on Sept. 11, 2024.
What it’s like to be in Washington D.C. for Trump’s second inauguration
By Lazaro Chavez Jr. Staf Writer
“To the crowd of die-hard Trump supporters, this was much more than a rally, it was a taste of the excitement the next four years would bring.”
Lazaro Chavez Jr. Staf Writer
The nation’s capital, full of political heavyweights, awoke to frigid temperatures and a historic occasion on Jan. 20, 2025. For only the second time in the history of the United States, a person was sworn in for a second nonconsecutive term to its highest offce. President Trump spared no time getting into offce.
I had the honor of being able to attend the inauguration thanks to the Leadership Institute, which equips those who attend their schools with the tools to become better leaders. Originally, I was supposed to be seated just outside our nation’s capital to witness it all, but due to cold weather moved the ceremony inside, leaving us to watch the ceremony together in our meeting room. I was lucky enough, however, to attend the “Victory Rally” at Capital One Arena. Regardless of the loca-
tion change, Washington D.C. was still something incredible to witness on such a historic weekend.
Despite freezing temperatures and icy rain, thousands gathered from across the country, flling the arena to capacity. The Leadership Institute got me and my fellow attendees special seating in the arena; although we still had to bear the elements to get in. The lower seating tiers and foor were packed with supporters wrapped in heavy coats and waving things like signs with the number “47” and American Flags – at least until the secret service told them to lower the fags. It was clear they were all excited to be a part of history.
The crowd’s commitment to the event was evident given the sheer amount of the time that people waited. A man from Missouri told me he had been in line since 7 a.m. waiting until 2 p.m. to get inside the arena. The crowd also broke into cheers for each guest speaker and erupted into a roar for the president.
Even more exciting than the cheers,
Sorority recruitment is so fetch
By Eftyhia Fillas Staf Writer
The phrase “sorority recruitment” can come with a slew of negative connotations, and when I told my family that I was rushing they referenced Mean Girls and warned me about the ruthless process.
They said I would be judged from the moment I walked into the room based upon my appearance, my personality and my ability to uphold an engaging conversation. Excluding the Mean Girls reference, that is basically what recruitment is at its core – but there is nothing wrong with that.
In fact, the recruitment process is an excellent form of character development that prepares people for the reality of the job recruiting process. The whole point of both processes is to pitch yourself to a group and fnd the best ft.
When asked about her opinion on recruitment, a UM freshman who rushed this semester said that “the process was
exhausting, but it taught me how to hold a conversation with different people,” further proving that recruitment can hone signifcant developmental skills.
According to an article written by Dr. Charlotte Hog, before all of her job interviews, Hog carefully considered what she wore.
“I’d be told to wear a neutral suit, but not so neutral there was no pizzazz… In the next moment, someone else would counsel me that what I wore was moot,” Hog wrote. Dressing up for any formal interview or occasion is important for presentation skills, so, while some make fun of the dressing-up aspect of sorority recruitment, at some point everyone has to pick an appropriate outft for a formal occasion.
Handling rejection is also an extremely important part of life that sorority recruitment exposed me to. Getting dropped from a chapter that you may have liked is extremely hurtful, but it is important to experience rejection because it comes in so many forms, such as not getting the internship or a job you
I sat several rows ahead of Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth, FBI Director nominee Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard. To the crowd of die-hard Trump supporters, this was much more than a rally, it was a taste of the excitement the next four years would bring.
The inauguration was also incredibly interesting to watch. Despite it being moved inside, leaving most people to watch it from their hotel rooms, the ceremony brought in leaders from around the globe. All fve living U.S. presidents, Justices of the Supreme Court and most of congress along with some of America’s most wealthy, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos were in attendance. A political junkie’s wildest dream if you will.
Trump opened his address with the words, “the golden age of America begins right now,” setting an ambitious tone for his second term. The address struck a tone of unity, highlighting the potential for Americans of all back-
grounds to work together toward a common goal. References to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a call to honor the civil rights leaders brought moments of poignancy, especially powerful in a time when the nation could not be more divided.
The President did deviate at times in his speech, dipping into more partisan topics. Sharp rebukes of past administrations, with the heads of those administrations mere feet from him, also created tension. These statements detracted from the President’s overall message of unity, leaving some questions about how such divides could be bridged.
As the day closed, the bitter cold that gripped the city mirrored the challenges that face the country. Although harsh, it was full of potential for renewal. Trump’s second inauguration, only the second of its kind in U.S. history, will be remembered not just as a political milestone but as a moment that captured the complexities of a divided era and the enduring hope for unity.
wanted or being denied the grant money you hoped to put toward your research.
In an article published by Teen Vogue, writers Cort and Shortsleeve, who both went through recruitment, express that, “rejection sucks, but it’s a necessary part of self-discovery and of growing up. It helps you learn to love yourself even more.” The writers express that although at the time they were hurt about not being invited back by some chapters, they ended up where they were meant to be and wouldn’t change a thing about their experience.
Sorority recruitment also teaches communication skills. I’m not necessarily great at talking to new people, but recruitment forced me to meet so many new people that I quickly improved my skills. Whether it was talking to the girls in line, peers in my recruitment group or the recruiters themselves, I was talking non-stop and made many new friends.
When asked about how recruitment impacted her social life, another UM freshman stated, “I was forced to meet
so many people during the process. Now I walk to class and see so many of the people I was with during recruitment.”
While recruitment can be brutal and challenging, the process is ultimately
benefcial. Women learn how to make appropriate conversation with grace while under pressure, honing their skills for the real world.
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So you’re not in a sorority. What now? A girl’s guide to getting by without Greek Life
By Paulina Barnjak Staf Writer
From work week to “rushtok” and bid day festivities, it’s impossible to ignore the craziness that is sorority recruitment. All over social media and on campus, freshmen who just joined sororities are sporting their latest merch and bonding with their new sisters.
In the midst of all the chaos, it’s important to remember that the University of Miami has a lot more to offer than Greek life. Consider this my pep talk for the girls who didn’t rush, didn’t get a bid or dropped from recruitment. You aren’t alone.
Although most of my friends, including my roommate, decided to rush this spring semester, I did not. When asked why I didn’t rush, I responded with the truth: “I just didn’t feel like it.”
But for the girls who dropped or for the ones who didn’t rush at all, it may feel like sorority life is starting to infiltrate every aspect of your Miami experience.
So you rushed, but your experience was different from the majority. Your friends all split up into different chapters or the chapter you thought would be your new home didn’t offer you a bid. It’s a tough
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pill to swallow, but it’s important to remember that getting dropped doesn’t mean you failed.
With more than 1,000 girls rushing this past semester and only seven Panhellenic sororities participating in formal recruitment, UM recruitment continues to get more and more competitive, making it a battle to secure a bid.
If your recruitment process didn’t go as planned: instead of focusing on the disappointment, take that extra time and energy you have and find a sisterhood in the many other communities UM has to offer.
UM has more than 300 registered student organizations focusing on academics, leadership, volunteering and sports. Participating in these clubs and activities is a great way to make friends and meet people that share your passions.
For instance, I spent a weekend in November at a tournament with UM Debate in Chicago, making friends and doing something I love in the process. Through a program called Civic Synergy, I’ve connected with peers who are now also my colleagues in an internship. At The Miami Hurricane, I’ve built meaningful relationships with my cowriters and editors, making the experience academically and socially rewarding.
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Attending UM does not exclusively revolve around on-campus life, we also have access to a city bursting with vibrant culture and energy. Known for its year-round heat and sunshine, Miami’s weather is the perfect excuse to spend time
outdoors and take a quick trip to the beach, something available whether or not you’re involved in Greek life.
Miami also offers a wide range of music and food scenes for a fun night out free of sorority affiliation.
But not every school has this privilege. Both of my sisters rushed last semester at Purdue University and the University of Arizona, two college towns in the middle of nowhere, devoid of nightlife, beaches, or major cities nearby. According to my sisters, if you’re not at a frat party, you’re essentially confined to your dorm room. In their eyes, Greek life is the only way to have fun and make friends at college. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. Also, both of their schools have more chapters and huge sorority and fraternity houses. UM’s lack of sorority houses means that when it comes time to decide who our future roommates are, people choose to live with their friends, not just their sorority sisters (although, of course, these can overlap).
None of this means that joining a sisterhood doesn’t have its pros, but by no means is Greek life essential for building a social life, fostering a sense of belonging, or having fun at UM. You can still embrace the opportunities Miami has to offer through its clubs, internship network, and the city itself. Your college experience is what you make of it, whether or not Greek life is involved along the way. At UM, you’re bound to find a community to call home.
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students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business offce of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200.
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The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card.
The Miami Hurricane’s business offce is located at 1330 Miller Drive, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200. The Miami Hurricane is published every other Wednesday during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed for free on the Coral Gables campus, the School of
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UM’s TikTok takeover How viral posts a ract incoming ’Canes
By Samantha Rodriguez A&E Editor
Most freshmen look at #umiami on TikTok to see what their dream first day on campus can look like. With most posts showing gorgeous weather, state-of-the-art amenities and a vibrant city at your doorstep, it is no surprise TikTok has spotlighted the University of Miami.
With the TikTok ban almost preventing the opportunity for freshmen to see what being a ’Cane is all about, the University could have lost an invaluable marketing tool and vital connection to the next generation of students.
As Alix Earle’s eight million TikTok followers can agree, her almostconstant viral posts pushed the University of Miami and her extravagant Miami lifestyle into the spotlight.
While Earle was enrolled, she gave all of TikTok a taste of unfiltered college life. With “Day in the Life of” and “Get Ready with Me” posts, prospective students got an honest look at the UM lifestyle. Clips show her walking to class under a beaming sun during the day and strutting down Miracle Mile at night, highlighting a studious yet fun atmosphere, a grab for any prospective student.
Freshman finance major Emma Paccione used TikTok to preview student life while she was finalizing her college decisions.
“I liked seeing students talk about their day-in-the-life and it gave me the ability to see if I would fit in at UM based on their school days,” Paccione said. “I had already applied, but when I was considering what school to enroll in, I was looking at TikToks.”
Before students even arrive at UM, viral acceptance videos show highschoolers opening their acceptance email and immediately crying tears of joy. TikTok posts showing families decorating admitted students’ rooms in orange and green streamers, snacks and UM merchandise show how becoming a ’Cane makes you part of a community larger than yourself.
UM’s undergraduate admissions account also typically replies to most acceptance posts, giving freshmen a sense of an attentive, engaging and caring administration. The posts let prospective students attach a personality to the place they may want to spend the next four years of their lives.
Unlike many other universities, UM frequently posts on Instagram and TikTok referencing viral memes and trends. Recently, the University’s official Instagram posted an
image of rainy weather with the caption, “the only thing we want banned is the rain,” referencing the looming TikTok ban.
Institutions like Florida State University have more followers than UM, but rarely come close to UM’s weekly view count of more than 100,000. With the University of Miami using hashtags to direct fans of the memes to their posts, Instagram and TikTok viewership can increase and attract incoming classes.
Through TikTok, viewers can even get a glimpse of what their senior year might look like if they choose UM. Graduation videos hint at the party at the end of the road. Last spring’s graduation ceremonies went viral as students danced to Kanye West’s “Carnival” under orange and green flood lights and smoke machines.
Posts are flooded with comments saying graduation alone is worth the tuition and that people should transfer to UM just to experience the ending of a lifetime.
The incoming spring graduation and centennial events will bring a new level of content to TikTok bound to be post-worthy. As UM’s social media stays on top of trends by using viral sounds in posts, there’s no telling what corners of TikTok the U won’t touch.
UM influencers on freedom, security and the future of TikTok
By Bri Pearson Assistant A&E Editor
TikTok is used by thousands of University of Miami students daily to keep up with the latest trends and events. But, for the handful of UM infuencers, it’s more than just a platform. It’s a livelihood.
The TikTok ban scare in the United States has raised pressing concerns about fnancial instability and freedom of expression among student infuencers and everyday users. It has sparked a broader discussion about the societal impact of removing such an infuential platform.
For creators like Lauren Barnwell, a 19-year-old student at the University of Miami with 473.6k TikTok followers, the app is unparalleled in its ability to foster creativity and reach wide audiences.
“There’s no other platform where you can reach as wide of an audience as quickly and effectively as TikTok,” she said.
to receive engagement and to reach a wide variety of audiences,” she said.
Unlike Instagram or YouTube, where algorithms often prioritize established creators, TikTok has revolutionized content creation, allowing anyone to go viral with the right mix of creativity and timing.
The planned ban on TikTok left infuencers facing the discouraging prospect of losing their primary source of income. For Barnwell, the platform has been a lifeline, ofering fnancial independence through the TikTok Creator Fund and brand partnerships.
“I was able to help my mom with bills and other little things,” she said.
TikTok has not only supported her but also eased her family’s burdens. This fnancial stability has brought reassurance to her parents as well.
“My parents and family knowing that I have that security means they don’t have to worry about me as much,” she said.
However, her success is deeply tied to TikTok’s unique ability to drive massive engagement.
Lauren Barnwell
“There’s no other platform where you can reach as wide of an audience as quickly and e ectively as TikTok ... If they support this ban, then the whole reason they’re in o ce is a lie.”
She credits TikTok’s unique algorithm for her success in spontaneous, short-form content.
“Everything you post is like a lottery ticket,” she said, emphasizing the platform’s ability to amplify voices overnight.
Emeline Smith, a 21-year-old UM student micro-infuencer with 15.4k followers, echoed this sentiment.
“TikTok has the easiest algorithm
get views like that in that short amount of time other than TikTok,” she emphasized.
Smith, while optimistic about fnding alternatives, acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding her audience.
“The percentage of people who are actually going to put in the efort to click a link and follow you on other platforms isn’t gonna be that high,” she admitted.
Beyond its role as a platform for infuencers like Barnwell and Smith, TikTok has proven to be a powerful tool for small businesses, transforming the way they reach and engage with customers.
The app’s algorithm not only amplifes individual voices but boosts visibility for entrepreneurs, with 52% of users reporting they’ve made purchases after discovering small businesses on TikTok.
This dynamic has created a unique space where businesses of all sizes can thrive, leveraging the platform’s blend of entertainment and commerce to drive sales and foster meaningful connections with their audience.
Beyond individual creators, the potential ban raises broader societal questions. For many users, TikTok has become a critical source of news and information.
Barnwell emphasized her opinion on TikTok’s unique role in modern media, stating, “TikTok is the only unbiased and unfltered news source that we have in the world,” and highlighted its ability to draw attention to events and stories often overlooked by traditional outlets.
its Chinese ownership. U.S. lawmakers have scrutinized the app, questioning whether it poses a risk to data privacy.
Gerber countered this perspective, saying, “almost every single platform has some form of data privacy issue, not just the ones that are owned by China. I think there’s a lot more industry and production that China has its fngers in.”
While policymakers weigh the risks and benefts of the ban, creators like Barnwell and Smith are urging them to consider the broader implications.
“If they support this ban, then the whole reason they’re in ofce is a lie,” Barnwell said.
Barnwell feels lawmakers will be going against their oath to the Constitution to preserve American rights,
Emeline Smith
“Now is the time to act ... It’s disheartening because so many people have put so much e ort into their content, and for it to be taken away so quickly without listening to multiple points of view is saddening.”
If the ban went into efect, it could have fundamentally altered the landscape of social media and content creation. Both Barnwell and Smith anticipate that creators will adapt, but not without signifcant efort.
“I think there will be another app that will come up real quick that’s like a duplicate of TikTok,” Barnwell said, though she admitted that no platform currently matches TikTok’s ease and efciency.
like free speech. Smith struck a more conciliatory tone, acknowledging the government’s eforts to ensure safety but cautioning against the unintended consequences.
“Most of my revenue and partnerships depend on the amount of followers I have,” she said, noting that transitioning to platforms like Instagram or YouTube, where her following is smaller, would signifcantly cut her earnings.
TikTok’s unmatched potential for rapid views and viral reach has made it an essential foundation for her fnancial and personal independence.
“There is nowhere else you can
The platform’s ability to amplify voices from diverse backgrounds and provide real-time updates has made it a powerful tool for uncovering and sharing stories that might otherwise remain hidden.
“It has the capability of getting the public involved with the news instead of it just coming from one central broadcast,” Chase Gerber, 20, a UM student and former TikTok infuencer who had 80,000 followers back in 2020, said. “You get way more details in a story and see things central news won’t show.”
However, critics of TikTok cite national security concerns stemming from
The uncertainty has prompted many creators to consider diversifying their content across multiple platforms, though the process is neither quick nor straightforward.
Smith is already preparing to shift her focus to YouTube and Instagram.
“Now is the time to act,” Smith said. “There’s going to be so many people moving to new platforms, and you don’t want to get buried under everyone else.”
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful. “Everything happens for a reason, and if you look at it as a new start, you’re gonna be successful no matter what you do.”
For creators, the debate over TikTok’s future is about more than just an app, it’s about the intersection of technology, security and free expression in an increasingly digital world. The potential ban represents a seismic shift in how they connect with audiences and sustain their livelihoods.
In an article written by NPR, TikToker Emily Senn tearfully shared, “It feels like I am losing a really good friend, and that sucks.”
Beyond personal loss, the ban raises concerns about what Eric Dahan, CEO of Mighty Joy, called TikTok’s unique ability to “generate and spark a unique community,” allowing creators to organically become infuencers and build careers.
In a future without TikTok, efects would ripple far beyond the app itself, shaping the future of content creation as a career and digital engagement for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Barnwell
Photo courtesy of Emeline Smith
Bad Bunny spotlights Puerto Rican culture and hardship with new album
By Gabriel Mena Contributing Writer
For his sixth studio album, “DEBí TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny embraced his roots to create an album for Puerto Ricans around the globe. A mix of traditional rhythms and modern notes, the album is both a celebration of the island he grew up in and a cautionary tale.
The album is accompanied by a 12-minute short flm written and directed by Bad Bunny, which stars Puerto Rican entertainment legend Jacobo Morales and co-stars Puerto Rican artist and humorist Boricua Drips, as Concho, an endangered crested toad from Puerto Rico. It takes the music a step further, illustrating the gentrifcation, colonization and abusive leadership in Puerto Rico.
The album has evoked a sensitive emotional response from Latinos and cultures around the world. It has been described as “a project that unifies generations” by the artist REYE$ and “album of the decade’” by producer Zmoll. Rising, hispanic talent can agree. Omar ‘DREILU’ Ruiz, music industry graduate student and ‘Cane Records artist calls it, “the most genuine album I’ve seen.”
Bad Bunny is known for his creative and methodical marketing schemes. Prior to the album’s release, the tracklist was rolled out through geographical coordinates in Puerto Rico where fans could fnd the name of the respective song on Google map’s street view, inspiring fans around the world to digitally visit the island.
The album features Bad Bunny’s reggaeton, but we also hear him on other typical Puerto Rican rhythms that he hadn’t done until now. That’s where the soul and magic of the album lie.
As a Puerto Rican born and raised on the island, this album struck me emotionally, serving as both a celebration and a warning. Each song feels like a familiar conversation with family or a cherished memory from growing up there, making it clear that this is more than just music — it’s our story being told to the world.
The frst track “NUEVAYoL,” is a salsa inspired by “Un Verano en Nueva York,” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Andy Montañez, a Puerto Rican salsa hit from the 1970s. It then transforms into a dembow, giving it a more urban touch. This mixture of salsa and dembow helps me appreciate both my Puerto Rican heritage and Dominican Heritage.
In the popular track “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” Benito sings to a past lover, highlighting her as the most important of all his love stories. I think I speak for everyone when I say Bad Bunny on a salsa beat is something we didn’t know we needed.
In his interview with Apple Music, Bad Bunny regarded this song as his favorite in the album and one of songs he has most enjoyed creating in his career. The instrumentation was provided by students of the Ernesto Ramos Antonini Libre de Música school in San Juan, Puerto Rico and composed mainly by people between 17 and 20 years old.
Bad Bunny continues to spotlight young Puerto Rican talent, giving space for emerging artists across tracks. “PERFuMITO NUEVO” features Rainao’s unique style, which blends seamlessly with Bad Bunny’s fow, creating a fusion of reggaetón and R&B, while “WELTiTa” brings playful rhythms and catchy hooks to create a beachy, danceable vibe that brings out Chuwi’s charm.
“VeLDÁ” highlights the rising stars Omar Courtz and Dei V in a high-energy reggaetón track marked by strong beats and loose lyricism.
The next few tracks, “EL CLúB,” “BOKeTE” and “KLOuFRENS,” all have a common theme of heartbreak, melancholy and sadness.
Additionally, in “TURiSTA,” Benito tells the story of a relationship with a person who was in his life for a short while and didn’t get to really know him. Benito said in an interview on the podcast “El Búho Loco” that the love story and title of the song allude to a double meaning.
It compares that brief relationship to tourists who visit Puerto Rico for a good time but do not delve deeper into the island’s suffering, leaving
all the problems behind when they return home.
Bad Bunny continues to showcase traditional Puerto Rican rhythms by blending them with modern sounds to appeal to younger generations. In “CAFé CON RON,” with the help of Los Pleneros de la Cresta and producers Tainy and La Paciencia, Benito creates a vibrant track that captures the spirit of traditional Puerto Rican parties.
Similarly, “PIToRRO DE COCO” draws from traditional jíbaro music, using instruments like guitars, cuatros and tambourines, while keeping its festive theme of partying, drinking and heartbreak alive. These songs refect Bad Bunny’s commitment to preserving and reinterpreting Puerto Rican musical heritage for today’s audience.
“LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” stands as a powerful protest anthem that resonates deeply with Puerto Ricans fghting to preserve our identity and culture. Bad Bunny refects on the loss of identity experienced by Hawaiians due to American colonization, where their native language and cultural practices were marginalized.
He draws a parallel between Hawaii and Puerto Rico, both colonized by the U.S., with Puerto Ricans also facing cultural diminishment, a history of displacement and decades of corrupt government. For example, a private chat with former Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Roselló in 2019 revealed a chilling statement from government contractor Edwin Miranda, “I saw the future and it was wonderful: there were no Puerto Ricans.”
Bad Bunny highlights the fght for natural resources and access to beaches, as wealthy foreigners with tax incentives try to buy and privatize the land, further displacing locals. He stresses the need to protect Puerto Rico’s identity and culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions like “le-lo-lai” to safeguard the island from external forces that threaten its essence, like what happened in Hawaii.
“EoO” is a classic reggaetón track written by Bad Bunny and produced
by Tainy, capturing the raw, unapologetic vibes of 2000s reggaetón. As Bad Bunny emphasizes perreo as a quintessential Puerto Rican rhythm, and part of the island’s musical legacy – Tainy’s production captures the soul of an era when reggaetón was our voice, our rebellion, our joy. Meanwhile, “DtMF” refects on the passage of time and the regret of not capturing more memories with special people. Its soft, nostalgic melody has sparked a trend of revisiting old photos, uniting generations with
our collective experience — the joy of our traditions, the pain of watching our island change and the complicated emotions of those who’ve had to leave.
The album has become a mirror for my own experiences and those of countless other young Puerto Ricans who grapple with the decision to stay or go, who feel the weight of preserving our culture while facing modern challenges.
As Bad Bunny sells out his historic 30-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot from July to September 2025,
minder that no matter how far we may roam, our roots
Through this album and these upcoming shows, Bad Bunny has given us more than music – he’s given us a document of who we are, a battle cry for what we need
tantly, a reminder to capture ery moment of our Puerto
track feels like a snapshot of
University of Miami professor wins $50,000 grant from Miami Film Festival
By Samantha Rodriguez A&E Editor
Margaret Cardillo, an award-winning author, flmmaker and University of Miami professor, earned the top $50,000 prize from the Miami Film Festival’s The Louies competition, to create her upcoming documentary.
The contest awards documentary flmmakers funding grants and a premier spot in this year’s upcoming festival.
Cardillo will continue her lifelong work of documenting powerful women in history by telling the story of Jane Chastain, the nation’s frst female sports broadcaster.
With exclusive interviews and clips from the Lynn & Louis Wolfson archive, the flm will cover her rise from making football game predictions in an Atlanta newscast to covering the Orange Bowl. Cardillo is aiming to show all the hidden ways Chastain carved a new path for women in the male-dominated industry.
Chastain’s career, while historic, has struggled to make its way into the limelight. Cardillo stumbled upon the story
when researching the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ perfect season.
The documentary was frst going to be about the undefeated season, until she found a sentence about Chastain’s legendary career.
“It was, ‘Larry Csonka [past Miami Dolphins running back] being interviewed by Jane Chastain, the frst female sportscaster in America,’” Cardillo said.
“And I was like, ‘Wait, what?’”
Cardillo then became fascinated with Chastain’s story.
At the start of the 1970s, sports television was an exclusively male space. When viewers turned on their TVs on game day and saw a woman holding the microphone, there was an immediate backlash.
Chastain’s station was fooded with phone calls demanding she be removed from the air and even bomb threats were made on her home.
“Why didn’t you quit?” Cardillo asked. Chastain said she liked her job and saw no reason to step away.
“She could care less about being the frst [woman],” Cardillo said. “She just wanted to do a good job, and I really ap-
preciate that about her.”
Cardillo felt it was her duty to memorialize the legacy Chastain left on the media industry.
“Jane was not allowed to go back to the station without a story, and I feel that way with this [flm],” Cardillo said. “I’m not allowed to stop until I fnish this documentary.”
Cardillo has experience about coura-
geous women who beat the odds. Her “Just Being” series of acclaimed children’s books highlights inspirational female fgures from all walks of life.
She depicted several fgures, from Audrey Hepburn’s rise to fame while facing adversity in “Just Being Audrey” to Jackie Kennedy’s relentless ambition and grace in dealing with her husband’s assassination in “Just Being Jackie.”
Cardillo will bring her same awardwinning writing techniques to document another ground-breaking female fgure. Like in her previous work, she uses postit notes to keep track of the most poignant facts and organize them into an unforgettable three act structure.
The project holds sentimental value for Cardillo, who sees herself in Chastain.
Cardillo grew up in Naples, Fla., not far from where Chastain worked in Miami for Channel 6 WTVJ-TV in 1969.
An avid Miami sports fan, Cardillo needed to see the woman who helped put some of her favorite teams on the map on the big screen.
With her $50,000 grant, the price tag can’t stop her now. Cardillo frequently
travels across the nation to speak with Chastain’s colleagues and her master’s students from the University of Miami’s flmmaking program tag along.
“This is very much a homegrown Miami project,” Cardillo said. “It’s supported by Miami, going to be made with Miami people and about Miami.”
Cardillo sees independent flms buckling down with inventive stories as major studios pour millions into generational franchises. In the swarming wave of highbudget ficks, Cardillo knows an indie will break into the mainstream soon.
“I think that you have to have hope,” Cardillo said. “They’re gonna still always be looking for [great movies], and hopefully [executives] put some more money behind it and I think that’s coming.”
Cardillo’s documentary will premiere at the 42nd Miami Film Festival and will show viewers what happens when a rising star gets a hint of an A-list budget.
Support independent flms by watching Jane Chastain’s incredible journey this April at the Miami Film Festival. Keep your eye on Cardillo’s website to never miss her next big picture.
Stay active during spring semester by joining these intramural sports teams
By Brendan Cafferty Contributing Writer
With the return from break and change in season, a new roster of intramural sports has graced the UM campus.
Open to all, IM sports has taken of in recent months, with favorites like intramural fag football, pickleball, and volleyball becoming familiar to those around campus.
Yet, there’s even more the IMLeagues have to ofer. Here’s a quick overview of each sport ofered within the IMLeagues early in the semester:
7-on-7 Soccer
Running through January and February, the intramural soccer teams meet on the IM felds for scrimmages and league play.
Signups end Jan. 22, and the frst game is to be played on Jan 23.
College Football 25 Tournament (PS5)
Compete against fellow ’Canes in a one-
day tournament as the EA Sports-recreation of your favorite college football teams. The only difculty will be deciding who gets to play as Miami.
Pickleball
Head over to the courts with a partner and rackets to compete in doubles matches from the end of January to the middle of February.
The last day to sign up is Jan 23., but the frst games will commence on the 28th.
Singles Tennis
From the end of January to the middle of February, face of in solo matches in tournament play.
On a similar schedule as the pickleball tournament, tennis calls for all signups by Jan 23., and will have its frst games starting on the 27th.
Parsons Golf Tourney
Bring your clubs for the 8th Annual Norman C. Parsons, Jr. Golf Tournament at the Palmetto Golf Course. This one-day tournament asks all non-varsity golfers
to bring their competitive nature with awards for stats such as “longest drive,” “closest to the pin,” and “longest putt” in addition to those for the winners.
This event will take place on April 11th, with the last day to sign up being April 4th.
Basketball
Featuring multiple leagues and a culminating game, “All-Star Sunday,” the intramural basketball league, will begin at the end of February and continue through March.
Signups will take place from February 10th to the 19th, and the preseason tournament will kickof the league play on the 20th.
2-v-2 Sand Volleyball
Leagues will play twice a week on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, from February 25 to March 26.
4-on-4 Flag Football
Flag football is the competitive, noncontact sibling to our beloved Hurricanes playing in Hard Rock. Head out to the IM Fields to play in the 4-on-4 matchups.
The frst game will be played March 30th, with signups closing March 27th.
Sportsfest
Likely the most unique event in this season’s roster, Sportsfest brings together approximately 2,000 ‘Canes for a weekendlong competition incorporating multiple recreational sports. It’s designed to build new connections for students, as well as provide fun competition.
With a mix of games and competitions taking place February 14-15, Sportsfest has become a UM favorite over time.
Whether you’re a former high school athlete, lifelong sports fan, or simply want to get involved in a new campus community, UM’s intramurals are a great way to exercise a passion for whatever sport.
Fostering a community simply for the enjoyment of each sport, all the IM teams are searching for are athletes who share the same appreciation.
For more information on signups and availability, go to the IMLeagues website or their X/Twitter.
Sophia Metzner // Staff Photographer UM communications professor Margaret Cardillo is interviewed about her upcoming documentary on Thursday Jan. 16, 2025.
Wes Fleischer // Contributing Photographer Contestants compete in an intramural Madden 25 tournament at the Herbert Wellness Center on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck commits to Miami
After winning against Clemson University on Oct. 21, 2023, head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates with his coaching staf on the Hard Rock Stadium feld.
By Shea McDonald Staf Writer
Just a year after acquiring a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback in Cam Ward, Miami again has taken a big swing in the transfer portal. Carson Beck, a former Georgia quarterback who recently withdrew from the NFL Draft and entered the transfer portal, has chosen Miami as where he will spend his last year of eligibility.
This news was frst reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The 23-year-old was Georgia’s starting quarterback the last two seasons and showed fashes of being a top draft pick. After sitting through the dominant backto-back title runs for the Bulldogs in 2021 and 2022, Beck ascended into becoming the starter following the departure of Stetson Bennett.
In his frst season at the helm, Beck led Georgia to a 13-1 season that was
ultimately marred by a loss in the conference championship to Alabama that kicked them out of the College Football Playoffs. He posted a 72% completion percentage, throwing for 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions, adding four on the ground as well.
Coming off a dominating bowl win over Florida State, where Beck fashed his talents as a passer, he entered the 2024 season as a projected frst-rounder in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But instead of rising even further, Beck faltered at several points in the season. A rough middle-of-the-season stretch included a 13-12 win over lowly Kentucky, a four-turnover game against Alabama that he did nearly bring them back from, and a couple of other three-interception games against Texas and Florida. Through that seven-game stretch, Beck threw 10 touchdowns to 12 interceptions with losses to Ole Miss and Alabama.
This, combined with the rise of prospects like Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur
Sanders solidifying themselves as two frst-round talents, Beck was moved further down draft boards. Beck did have a strong fnish to the year, as Georgia ended the regular season 3-0, with Beck throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns against No. 7 Tennessee and fve touchdowns in an eight-overtime thriller against Georgia Tech.
In the SEC Championship Game against Texas, Beck suffered a UCL injury on a sack, which forced him to have surgery and miss the rest of the season.
Beck brings a traditional pocket passing style to the position. He has enough athleticism on the college level to occasionally extend plays. He attacks the middle of the feld well but struggles when pressured by defenders.
There are questions regarding who Beck is throwing to. The ’Canes will be without there top fve receiving targets from last year. Xavier Restrepo, Sam Brown, Jacolby George and tight end Elijah Arroyo all declared for the NFL Draft,
and Isaiah Horton transferred to Alabama. LSU transfer CJ Daniels, who just two years ago with Liberty posted 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns, was added to the roster. Joshisa “Jojo” Trader, who had three receptions for 61 yards in Miami’s bowl game to cap off a mostly quiet freshman season, leads the expected returnees.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson did a really good job of working with Ward and turning him into a potential number one overall pick but had less success with Tyler Van Dyke the year prior. His system has proven to be effective and might work well with a quarterback like Beck, who likes to play in rhythm and push the ball downfeld.
There will be a lot of questions coming this season with Miami hoping to build off a 10-win season. A lot will fall on an accomplished feld general like Beck, who is expected to fully recover from his injury long before fall practice, to answer those questions.
A look at Miami football’s incoming 2025 freshmen class
By Shea McDonald Staf Writer
The Miami Hurricanes are bringing the 14th-ranked recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite, in all of college football. It’s the best in the ACC, and Miami’s 14 four-star recruits are the most in the conference. It’s a massive class of 21 prospects so far, so here’s a quick introduction to the future of the Hurricanes.
4 Star – Hayden Lowe
Lowe is 247’s third-highest-rated edge rusher. He had committed to USC back in June but eventually fipped to Miami in November. The decision was infuenced by the presence of former NFL Pro Bowler and current Miami defensive line coach Jason Taylor.
“I feel like nobody in college football has that power to instill what you want other than Jason Taylor — because he’s gone through it … There’s no other coach on the planet that can really give you the information that he can,” Lowe told On3 Sports’ Chad Simmons.
Lowe is 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and has proven to excel both against the run as
well as rushing the passer. In his senior season he recorded 16 sacks and totaled 18 tackles for loss. He has good explosion, strength and versatility to his game that could give him the ability to be a chess piece Miami moves along the defensive line to work matchups.
4 Star – Seuseu Alofaituli
Alofaituli is 247’s ffth-highest-rated interior offensive lineman in this year’s class. He started all four years at Bishop Gorman, a high school football powerhouse. This year, he was selected to play in the Polynesian Bowl, as well as the Under Armour All-America Game. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal loves to build in the trenches, and that starts in the middle of the line. At 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Alofaituli has played every position along the line but will likely slide into being a guard or center. His quickness, light feet and aggressiveness could make him a devastating run blocker as well as a very good pass blocker.
4 Star – Girard Pringle Jr.
In his frst game as a junior, Pringle made a name for himself, rushing for over 300 yards. He fnished that season with 1,732
yards, along with 24 touchdowns, and followed it up with over 1000 yards and 17 touchdowns this year. Pringle is a onecut-and-go type of back, and when he hits the hole, he could be gone in an instant. He’s a track runner and has run in the mid 10’s in the 100-meter dash. Though he’s a little light, only about 180 pounds, and might not be a three-down back for now, he could develop into an explosive weapon for Miami.
4 Star – Joshua Moore
Moore is a promising receiver prospect that profles as your typical X wideout. Moore had originally committed to Florida, but Miami was able to get him to fip to the ’Canes in October. The 20th-ranked receiver in this class, Moore stands at 6-foot-4, and through his junior and sophomore years, he totaled 30 touchdowns, averaging just under 90 yards per game. He could fll out a receiving room that will lose some of its veterans over the next couple of years.
3 Star – Luke Nickel
Nickel is a pro-style quarterback who’s thrown for 103 touchdowns to just 20 picks over his three years starting on var-
sity. He works exceptionally well when throwing on time and in rhythm while also showing the ability to even make adjustments at the line. Miami is going to need to bolster its quarterback depth with Reese Poffenbarger transferring and Cam Ward departing. Nickel could excel with Miami’s system that loves to work the quick passing game and onschedule throws.
3 Star – Daylyn Upshaw
Upshaw played for the Alabama 7A title-
winning Central squad as a junior. His 1,185 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns helped lead the team to a 13-0 record. Though coming up short in the championship this year, he came down with 1,137 yards, along with 16 touchdowns. Upshaw took visits with other Florida schools, including Central Florida, Florida State and Florida, Upshaw could be an explosive play machine for the Canes. Read more online at themiamihurricane.com.
@LukeNickel5 on X // Contributed Photo
Pictured from left to right, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, quarterback Luke Nickel and wide receiver Joshua Moore on visits to Miami during their recruiting process.
Charisma Jones // Contributed Photo
‘It’s
become professional’: Larrañaga continues recent college basketball trend
By Luke Chaney Co-Sports Editor
Jim Larrañaga stepped down from his position as Miami’s men’s basketball head coach following the program’s turbulent 4-8 start to the 2024-25 season.
He’s the latest ACC coach to depart from the profession since April 2021, joining North Carolina’s Roy Williams, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim, Notre Dame’s Mike Brey and most recently, Virginia’s Tony Bennett, who retired just three weeks before the start of the year, explaining after the decision that he’s “no longer the best coach to lead this program” in the changing landscape of college basketball.
The 75-year-old Larrañaga, who was in his 53rd season coaching college basketball, cited the chaotic nature of the sport, which has forced coaches into situations where they’re haggling with agents over a player’s NIL value, as a major reason why he chose to step down.
“My conversations were ridiculous, with an agent saying to me, ‘Well, you can get involved if you’re willing to go to $1,000,001.’ And I’m like, ‘What? a million dollars?’ And that’d be the norm. That was the norm,” Larrañaga said.
Larrañaga has come out in support of players getting paid on many occasions. He thinks that athletes should be compensated for the weekly time they spend
working on their sport with the team, similar to how any other student in college would receive money working at a job independent of their schoolwork, which was previously not allowed for studentathletes by the NCAA.
What Larrañaga has an issue with is the dishonesty that is embedded within the whole process of players getting paid. He’s upset with the lack of guidelines currently in place.
“Right now, there’s no transparency. One of the diffcult things, I feel like I’m an honest guy, so if I’m talking to someone, I hope they’re telling me the truth. And in many situations, the person would tell you something, and you’d fnd out later, no, that’s not really accurate, and you don’t know. You don’t know who’s telling the truth. There’s no transparency. If someone tells you, ‘Oh, I’ve been offered a million dollars; what would you offer me?’ You’ve been offered a million dollars? Man, you better take that, because that’s ridiculous. A million dollars to play college basketball. And then you fnd out he was offered $100,000. When there’s no transparency, there’s no professionalism in the sport,” Larrañaga said.
“It’s a pro sport now. You have to have a pro mentality, and you have to have a pro system in place to deal with all of it. If we’re going to have agents and we’re going to be paying substantial amounts of money, then there needs to be some accountability for that.”
Larrañaga’s frustrations began following the Hurricanes’ frst-ever Final Four run in 2023.
Meeting with the players thereafter, several decided to enter the transfer portal. Upon hearing this, Larrañaga was “shocked … beyond belief.”
This ordeal planted a seed of doubt in Larrañaga’s head, making him question if this new, ever-changing world of college basketball, a world very different from when he began coaching, is one that he wants to continue navigating.
“The opportunity to make money someplace else created a situation that you have to begin to ask yourself as a coach, what is this all about? And the answer is it’s become professional,” Larrañaga said. “But it’s been my philosophy, and the way I’ve approached this game is about teaching, coaching, developing relationships with young kids, and trying to help them develop and prepare them for life when they’re no longer playing basketball.”
Larrañaga made clear that he’s not against players transferring. Some of Miami’s most productive and important players during his tenure, such as Angel Rodriguez, Sheldon Mac (formerly Sheldon McClellan) and Kamari Murphy, started at other schools.
But Larrañaga has reservations about how the portal permits players to transfer to a new school every offseason. He thinks that the quick-turnaround nature of
this current system prevents players from learning the foundation and buying into the philosophy of whatever program they transfer to.
Following a 2023-24 campaign that saw Miami drop its last 10 games, Larrañaga was angered and motivated to prove that the disastrous season was a fuke. He and his staff utilized the portal more than ever before, bringing in fve new players to replace the six, including two key starters, who left by way of the portal.
The retooled Hurricanes, led by a head coach attempting to stay afoat in the wild-west, NIL era of college hoops, dropped seven of their last eight contests, most recently an overtime loss to Mount St. Mary’s, which ended up being the last game of Larrañaga’s half-century-long coaching career.
“Last year was a disaster. I felt like not only am I disappointed in myself, I set a certain level of expectation for the program, and I have all the support that it should take. We should be competing for an ACC championship or even a national championship on a fairly consistent basis, and I thought we were doing that and we were moving closer and closer to being able to do it, and then this happened,” Larrañaga said. “So going into this year, I just felt like, okay, we need to get back to where we were. I’ve got a great group of kids. It’s not their problem. It’s the system now or the lack of a system. We don’t really know. I didn’t know how to navigate
through this.”
Larrañaga fnishes his head coaching career with 716 Division I wins, good for 27th all-time. He led Miami to one ACC tournament championship, two regular season conference titles, six NCAA tournament appearances, as well as four trips to the Sweet 16, two to the Elite Eight and one to the Final Four. He also advanced to the Final Four in 2006 with George Mason, marking one of the most improbable postseason runs the sport has ever seen. Larrañaga may continue to be involved with the university in some capacity, Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich said.
The search for a new head coach now begins. In the meantime, Hurricanes associate head coach Bill Courtney will serve as the program’s interim head coach.
“We’re going to be looking at the attributes of what the University of Miami can provide to a potential coach, looking at obviously playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, which is an incredible basketball league, and making sure we put our best foot forward to get someone that can come in, be a part of the community, part of the university, but at the same time, feel like they have the ability to navigate this world in the changing world that we’re in,” Radakovich said.
This article, written by Co-Sports Editor Luke Chaney, frst appeared on 247sports.com.
Miami MBB drubbed by SMU in most lopsided loss of season
By Shea McDonald Staf Writer
Miami was run off the court by SMU on Saturday to the tune of a 43-point blowout, losing 117 to 74.
SMU came out of the gate fring. A quality three-point shooting team averaging 37% from behind the arc, the Mustangs showed it early. They started 4-of-5 from three and 8-of-10 from the feld to lead 20-7 before the halfway mark of the frst half.
Former Miami forward Matt Cross and senior guard Chuck Harris led the scoring barrage, and the team moved the ball well through guards B.J. Edwards and Boopie Miller.
Miami, on the other hand, struggled
offensively. The ’Canes had multiple stretches where they went minutes without a basket and had nothing going for them.
The difference in the ball movement was seen in both teams’ assist totals. Through the frst half, the Mustangs had 18 assists on 26 made shots. Miami, in comparison, had just fve opening-half assists and fnished with 10 on the day.
“We’ve yet to really play like we do in practice, where we’re sharing the ball and everyone is involved,” interim head coach Bill Courtney said.
This lack of playmaking and facilitation on the team has been one of Miami’s biggest issues with lead guard Nijel Pack out of the lineup. This has left freshman Divine Ugochukwu as the Hurricanes’ only true point guard, but coming off an
injury, he played just four minutes in the frst half.
With no real facilitator to dissect the defense and open up the foor for the rest of the team, Miami’s offense was sluggish and stagnant. SMU’s offense ran much more effortlessly, as Miller and Edwards were able to draw in the defense and make the lob to the big man or hit the open teammate in the corner.
“We’re playing guys at point guard who are not point guards, and Boopie Miller is terrorizing those guys,” Courtney said.
Miller led SMU with 18 points and 10 assists, tying Miami’s team total. He also recorded two steals. All game long, he was disruptive and showed the massive difference in the two teams’ backcourts.
Never in a rhythm, the Hurricanes shot
just 42% from the feld in the frst half, compared to SMU’s 76%. These multiple stretches of stagnant offense let the Mustangs get out and run multiple times, leading to 11 fastbreak points for SMU.
The frst half ended well for Miami on offense, as it made its last four shots, including its frst fastbreak basket of the game with a Matthew Cleveland dunk off a steal from Brandon Johnson.
Read more online at themiamihurricane.com
Alexandra Fisher // Photo Editor Senior guard Matthew Cleveland jumps to dunk the ball during the second half of Miami’s game against SMU at the Watsco Center on Jan. 18, 2025.
Unapologetic. Bold. Unfiltered.
Dear V, TIKTOK IS GONE?
Dear V, I accidently introduced my parents to my talking stage. Help.
The TikTok tease: We’re so back?
V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest running column.
V’s Take is a satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily ofended.
It lasted 14 hours. For 14 hours I stared at the ceiling, opened Instagram reels once (#neveragain) and even debated watching YouTube again. For the half-day without access to TikTok you would’ve thought the end times were near. Well… they are, but this was a relatively anticlimactic start.
Leading up to Sunday night, everyone was saying their final goodbyes to TikTok. Beloved audios resurfaced one last time, Vinnie Hacker recreated fan-favorite thirst traps and Charli D’Amelio finally fessed up about her phony “anxiety stick” which was just a damn vape. Heartfelt compilations, love letters and links to other apps flooded the “For You” page before it went dark Saturday night. But, come Sunday morning, everything was back to usual? For some?
Personally, I was kind of disappointed that the app came back. For starters, without TikTok to scroll through while I procrastinate my assignments, I could feel my GPA already start to soar to heights it’s never seen. I could maybe graduate “Sigma Cum Loud” or whatever it’s called.
Second, for someone as theatrical as Donald Trump, I would have thought he’d stretch the ban out for at least longer than a day to build suspense. For someone who hid away so many documents for so long, you think he could have at least kept the app in the dark for a whole day.
And lastly, I already started a streak on Duolingo
in preparation for the migration to Rednote. For example, I learned how to say “raw next question” in Mandarin. I’m practically fluent!
Now, TikTok is a great tool to use to stay caught up on all things news and culture, and I’m definitely glad we didn’t lose it. But the last thing I want to do is be at my post-grad office job and start parroting whatever TikTok reference is currently stuck in my head. I have to look professional, and humming Zara Larson’s “Symphony” to myself isn’t going to help.
If we as a generation collectively crash out when we can’t drunkenly scroll on our phones after getting back from the club, real life is going to hit us like a truck. So, let’s try to focus on the bigger fish to fry. Between the fires, liars and town criers, TikTok might be a little bit messy for the time being. Whatever may follow the inauguration, we as a country have proven we can’t handle going cold turkey.
Scroll while you can, stay up to date but try to stay vigilant… or watch some Liverking videos. Sure, he was canceled, but soon it’s going to be Mad Max times and you’re going to need to know what parts of a deer you can eat.
Just in case, follow me on Instagram.
Love, V
