The Minaret • 24th March 2025

Missing College Student Draws National Attention

By Grace Gallowitz 


Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing on March 6 after disappearing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana.


Dominican authorities said they are investigating the case, according to news networks. She was last seen near the beach of the Riu República Hotel in the early morning hours.


On the day she disappeared, Konanki was seen walking with 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, at 4:15...

The Minaret • 3rd March 2025

Influencers are Becoming the New Journalists

By Grace Gallowitz


Imagine an age where your newsfeed is curated by people you follow on TikTok and Instagram rather than seasoned journalists in stuffy newsrooms. Forget the evening broadcast: Your updates will come in real-time, unfiltered, from the palm of your hand. This is not science fiction; it is our current reality. The distinction between influencer and journalist has begun to blur, and the concept of “news” is being redefined in front of our eyes. Is this the beginning of a new age...

The Minaret • 3rd March 2025

Tampa Bay Sees Dip in Opioid Deaths Amid Ongoing Efforts

By Grace Gallowitz


TAMPA, Fla. — After years of rising numbers in opioid-related deaths, a new data study shows these fatalities are declining in the Tampa Bay area.


“For the first time actually in a while, we’ve seen the first significant trend of a decrease,” said William Sullivan Angulo, the communications director for Live Tampa Bay. “Which is exciting because what we’re seeing are the early numbers specifically for the first half of 2024.” 


Live Tampa Bay works to reduce opioid dea...

The Minaret • 9th February 2025

Billie Eilish Fans Disappointed by Grammys Results

By Grace Gallowitz


The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, was a night of celebration and controversy. While performers like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar won big, fans of Billie Eilish were disappointed when she did not win anything despite many nominations.


Eilish received seven Grammy nominations in 2025, including Album of the Year for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and Record of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.” Her performance of “Birds of a Feather...

The Minaret • 3rd February 2025

How Challenges to DEI Will Affect Public and Private Universities

By Grace Gallowitz


TAMPA, Fla. — For years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been a pillar of The University of Tampa’s commitment to upholding a welcoming and fair environment. But a wave of change is sweeping across the nation, and these once-unquestioned practices are now facing new challenges. 


The question is: How will UTampa navigate this shifting landscape?


DEI projects have long been part of public and private organizations, creating circumstances in which pe...

Tampa Magazine • 18th December 2024

Top Holiday-Themed Delights to Try This Season - Tampa Magazine

The holidays are here, and Tampa Bay’s bakeries and cafes are bursting with seasonal delights. From spiced cookies to rich peppermint treats and cozy hot drinks, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Explore the local must-try goodies that make this time of year extra special! 
The December Freak Shake is a vanilla milkshake topped with a gingerbread house, light-up Santa wand and a sparkler. It also comes with three little chocolate chip cookies, a bendy Nutcracker toy and a light-up cand...

Tampa Magazine • 20th November 2024

Tampa Bay's Best Holiday Events - Tampa Magazine

As the holiday season lights up Tampa Bay, the area comes alive with festive events, dazzling boat parades and holiday markets filled with seasonal treats and gifts. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Dive into our guide to the best holiday happenings in Tampa Bay and make the season unforgettable!
Christmas Town
November 15 – January 5, 2025
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Experience the magic of the season at Busch Gardens Christmas Town! Gather with fam...

Tampa Magazine • 1st October 2024

Falling for Fall: Autumn Events in Tampa Bay - Tampa Magazine

As the summer heat dissipates, Tampa Bay becomes a vibrant autumn wonderland. Featuring pumpkin patches, corn mazes, arts festivals and culinary delights, there is genuinely something for everyone to enjoy. Experience the magic of autumn at local farmers’ markets, enjoy live music at festive events or indulge in delicious fall-inspired dishes. Tampa Bay offers diverse options this season from family-oriented activities to intimate getaways. Get ready to fully embrace the charming spirit of autum...