“Former Cuban Dictator Raul Castro Charged with Murder”

Fox 13
Briona Arradondo
May 20, 2026

Today the Justice Department indicted the former president and defense minister of Cuba, Raúl Castro. In the segment, Abby Hall, professor of economics, asked why this is happening now, since Castro is not the current Cuban head of state, and if U.S. policies effective help the Cuban people. “So when we look at things like the embargo, which has been in place since the 1960s, what we’ve witnessed is that, yes, there are economic impacts and very severe ones, but they’re primarily impacting your everyday Cubans and not effective as a means of ousting the regime.”

 

“UT Grad Making Detergent Smell Like Cologne”

Fox 13 “Unscripted”
May 18, 2026

Fox 13 interviewed Maximus Mattuchio, a recent graduate, about his business, Dirty Bastard Laundry Co. Mattuchio’s startup sells cologne-infused laundry detergent sheets designed for men.

 

“Washington’s Cuba Delusion”

Orange County Register
May 15, 2026

Abby Hall, professor of economics, wrote an op/ed on the military intervention and trade embargo in Cuba. “There’s just one problem,” she wrote. “While the U.S. government can overthrow or remove foreign political powers, officials are fundamentally incapable of systematically exporting democratic institutions abroad.” This op-ed was picked up by numerous California outlets, including the Los Angeles Daily News and Pasadena Star-News.

 

“What Will Kevin Warsh Taking Over at the Federal Reserve Mean for Consumers?”

Scripps News
Simon Kauffman and Maura Barrett
May 15, 2026

New Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh is in a tricky situation regarding interest rates as he faces the highest rate of inflation in three years. "The rules go, if inflation's too high, you raise interest rates. If inflation's too low, you lower interest rates," said Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics, in this story, which was picked up by approximately 60 online and TV stations, including AOL.com.

 

"Florida This Week"

WEDU-PBS
May 15, 2026

Abby Hall, professor of economics, joined WEDU PBS’ “Florida This Week” television show on Friday, May 15 for a timely discussion on Florida’s rising unemployment rate, the state budget standoff and the economic impact of major policy decisions. Hall shared her expertise on public policy, political economy and the forces shaping Florida’s economy. She also highlighted how UTampa economics students are building analytical, research, writing and presentation skills through work with the Adam Smith Society.

 

“Local Ranchers Worry about Push to Lower Beef Prices”

Bay News 9
May 15, 2026

In order to lower beef prices in the short term, the Trump administration has suggested lowering tariffs on foreign imports of beef. But, Abby Hall, professor of economics, said that tariffs have kept Florida ranchers competitive. This story also ran on national Spectrum News stations, including Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, Kansas City, Buffalo, Cleveland and Orlando.

 

“With Loved Ones Detained, Florida’s Immigrant Families Face ‘Chaos’”

Tampa Bay Times
Juan Carlos Chavez
May 13, 2026

Across Florida and nationwide, immigrant families without permanent legal status are being pushed to their limits due to mass arrests and deportations, according to this Tampa Bay Times story. Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, pointed out that when a loved one is detained, families lose their income. And if they work fewer hours out of fear or take lower-paying jobs in hopes of having less public interaction, they make less, too.

“Florida begins phasing out pennies, cash purchases now rounded to nearest nickel”

Fox 13
Heather Healy
May 12, 2026

Abby Hall, professor of economics, was featured in a story about Florida phasing out pennies, and rounding up prices. “There is some concern here about inequality because for cash transactions, they're subject to this rounding procedure," she said. The story also ran on AOL.com.

 

“The Nurse was Branded ‘A Danger to Public Health’ in Maryland. She is Still Licensed in Florida.”

Orlando Sentinel
Annie Martin
May 10, 2026

Charrita Ernewein, assistant professor of nursing, was interviewed about a state nursing regulation controversy. The story was reprinted in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and Yahoo! News.

 

“When Sharks Attack”

National Geographic
May 7, 2026

Episodes of the TV documentary series When Shark Attack, which feature Environmental Studies Chair and Professor Dan Huber, re-ran on National Geographic. The episodes use Huber’s insight as a shark bite expert. In one episode, Huber determines from a victim’s circular shark bite that he was attacked by the rarely seen cookie cutter shark.

 

“Lawmakers Won’t Consider New AI Regulations During Special Session”

Bay News 9
April 28, 2026

The Florida State Senate passed an AI Bill of Rights earlier this year, but the legislation did not pass the House. Jean Gourd, professor of computer science, said he is on the fence when it comes to AI regulations. I don’t know that that’s going to achieve anything,” he said. “Do you regulate people from using it?”

 

“When Sharks Attack”

National Geographic
April 24, 2026

Episodes of the TV documentary series When Sharks Attack, which feature Environmental Studies Chair and Professor Dan Huber, re-ran on National Geographic. The episodes use Huber’s insight as a shark bite expert. In one episode, Huber determines from a victim’s circular shark bite that he was attacked by the rarely seen cookie cutter shark.

 

“UTampa Senior Turns Down MrBeast to Launch Tampa Laundry Startup”

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Anjelica Rubin
April 23

Tampa Bay Business Journal interviewed Maximus Mattuchio, a recent graduate, about his business, Dirty Bastard Laundry Co. Mattuchio said he was able to hire four people to launch Dirty Bastard as part of curriculum for the semester.

 

“University of Tampa Breaks Ground on ‘Generational’ 5-story Science Center”

Tampa Bay Times
Nakylah Carter
April 22, 2026

The Tampa Bay Times, along with Fox 13. Yahoo! News, Business Observer, Florida Trend, Axios Tampa Bay, St. Pete Catalyst, Business Observer, Q105, 92.5 Maxima, and WILD 94.1 covered the celebration of the groundbreaking of the Dickey Science Innovation Center on campus on April 22.

 

“Dr. Adrianne Wilson: Professor of Education and Community Advocate, University of Tampa”

Tampa Magazine
Hayli Zuccola
April 22, 2026

Adrienne Wison, professor of education, answered a set of questions posed by Tampa Magazine. “I wish more people in Tampa Bay understood that higher education is not just about classrooms and degrees,” she said. “It’s one of the most powerful engines a community has for building opportunity and strengthening the workforce.”

 

“When Sharks Attack”

National Geographic
April 20, 2026

Episodes of the TV documentary series When Sharks Attack, which feature Environmental Studies Chair and Professor Dan Huber, re-ran on National Geographic. The episodes use Huber’s insight as a shark bite expert. In one episode, Huber determines from a victim’s circular shark bite that he was attacked by the rarely seen cookie cutter shark.

 

“Higher gas prices driving more interest in electric vehicles for some”

10 Tampa Bay
Miguel Octavio
April 16, 2026

Electric vehicle prices went up by more than $560 last month, making it the largest surge in EV demand in more than a year. And, the abnormal gas prices Americans are paying for may linger much longer, even with an end to the war in Iran. Abby Hall, professor of economics, noted in the story. that while only 20% of the world's oil supply comes through the Strait of Hormuz, oil markets are remarkably global and intensely interconnected.

 

Beware of this New Scam Involving Fake CAPTCHA Screens

Fox 13
Danielle Zulkosky
April 16, 2026

A new scam using fake CAPTCHA authentication screens, and asking you to type a series of key combinations, allows hackers to access your computer. The best tip to avoid this and other scams? Stop and think before doing anything unusual on the computer. Federico Giovanneti, assistant teaching professor of Information and Technology Management, agreed. “At least be a little bit skeptical and suspicious of when you are being asked to do things that you don't normally experience in your interactions online,” he said.

 

“When Sharks Attack”

National Geographic
April 9, 2026

Episodes of the TV documentary series When Sharks Attack, which feature Environmental Studies Chair and Professor Dan Huber, re-ran on National Geographic. The episodes use Huber’s insight as a shark bite expert. In one episode, Huber determines from a victim’s circular shark bite that he was attacked by the rarely seen cookie cutter shark.

 

“Sucheta Kanjilal”

WMNF-The Conversation
April 8, 2026

Sucheta Kanjilal, assistant professor of English and writing, discussed writing, India, Hinduism, Bollywood and more on this public affairs broadcast show.

 

“Program Helps Train the Next Medical Helicopter Pilots”

Fox 13
Ariel Plasencia
April 6, 2026

Today a Tampa General Hospital medical helicopter touched down on Pepin Field to help physician assistant students learn about trauma response in a high stress environment. “This is something you don’t get to see firsthand very often,” a student said.

 

City Council Gives Go-Ahead to University Residence Hall

WFLA NewsRadio
April 6, 2026

Scott Gossen, assistant vice president of design and construction, said the new residence hall, which was approved by City Council, will provide students with an affordable living option. “Unfortunately, the market around us continues to provide what we like to refer to as luxury student housing, which is very difficult for our students from a cost perspective,” he said. A similar story ran in the April edition of Florida Trend, on Yahoo! News and on Fox 13.

 

“University of Tampa women's hockey team wins national championship”

Bay News 9
Michael Epps
April 2, 2026

The University of Tampa has a rapidly growing club hockey program, and the women’s team won the AAU Collegiate Hockey Nationals this year. "Let everyone know that Tampa has hockey, that our university actually has a great program and getting it out there so everybody outside of Tampa can say that, 'Hey, I can go somewhere in Florida and play great hockey and win championships. Wow that’s cool'," women's hockey coach Carlos Pineros said.

 

“Easter weekend travel highlights continued pain at the pump in Florida”

WFLA
April 1, 2026

According to AAA, that marks nearly a $1 increase from one month ago, with Florida drivers now paying an average of just over $4.20 per gallon. Abby Hall, professor of economics, said the spike is due in part to rising crude oil prices since the start of the war in Iran, along with seasonal demand and uncertainty in oil markets. Similar stories also ran on Yahoo! News, in the Tampa Bay Times and on WTSP-10.

 

“Manufacturers Struggle with Tariff Policies”

Bay News 9
March 30, 2026

A Florida lithium battery manufacturing firm has equipment stuck at the Port of Tampa, as a result of tariff policies, which is costing the firm time, money and jobs. “This is a really unfortunate example of what tariffs do,” said Abby Hall, professor of economics. The story also ran in Orlando.

 

“Florida Legislators Moving to Shelve the Penny”

Fox 13
Blake DeVine
March 24, 2026

The days of pennies in the cash register may be numbered. A bill passed by Florida state lawmakers would let businesses round cash purchases to the nearest nickel. “It ultimately costs more to produce pennies than the pennies are worth,” said Abby Hall, professor of economics. This story also ran on AOL, Yahoo! News, Sirius XM and ESPN Radio.

 

“Partial government shutdown and Middle East conflict create new challenges for airport travelers”

Tampa Bay 28
Annette Gutierrez
March 23, 2026

Spring break travelers at Tampa International Airport are navigating a complex mix of challenges, including TSA shortages from a partial government shutdown and the deployment of ICE agents to some airports. On top of security concerns, fuel prices are rising due to the conflict with Iran. Abby Hall, associate professor of economics, said in the story that anytime there is a conflict in Iran, oil prices go up, especially as it relates to the Strait of Hormuz. "Oil markets are really sensitive, and they're also forward-looking. So anytime you have a threat of destabilization, there's going to be built in a risk premium into current fuel prices," Hall said.

 

“Bay Area Gas Prices Near $4: The Mental Toll on Drivers and Financial Strain on Small Businesses”

Fox 13
Ariel Plasencia
March 19, 2026

AAA data shows average gas prices in most Bay Area counties are hovering just under $4 a gallon, with Citrus County already hitting the $4 mark. Aaron Wood, assistant professor of economics, said that watching the numbers tick up at the gas station can cause more consumer distress than other rising costs. I” think it's upsetting to everybody because it's so visceral, and it's in your face," Wood said in the story. A similar story ran on Fox 13+.

 

“PolitiFact FL: Is Byron Donalds right that school districts are to blame for Florida property tax increases?”

WUSF
Samantha Putterman
March 19, 2026

In this Politifact article, Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida's leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, supports eliminating all property taxes on primary residences, which would cut public school funding — and said school districts are the biggest drivers of increased property taxes. Abby Hall, associate professor of economics, said that “the primary driver of rising property taxes are rising property values…Most of what is happening in terms of school funding is outside of the school districts' control." Politifact called Donalds’s statement “Mostly False.” This article also appeared in outlets in Miami, Gainesville and Orlando.

 

“These Sea Slugs Can ‘Eat’ Sunlight—but They’re No Astrophage. Here’s How the ‘Project Hail Mary’ Antagonist Has a Real-Life Analogue in Earth’s Oceans”

Smithsonian
Niamh Ordner
March 18, 2026

This article explains how some sea slugs can conduct photosynthesis. Michael Middlebrooks, associate professor of biology, and an expert on sea slugs, additionally explained that some sea slugs can tap into their photosynthetic abilities to produce energy for weeks or month, like a biological battery pack. “They are able to feed once, and then they can complete their adult life cycle—which is about eight or nine months—without having to feed again,” he said.

 

“Oil Prices Rising”

Fox 13
March 13, 2026

Abby Hall, associate professor of economics, talked about how rising oil prices are affecting more than just consumers at the gas pump. “We use oil in a lot of different goods, not just as fuel…If we see sustained increases in oil prices, expect to see higher prices in those goods as well.”

 

“Tampa Makes First Rezoning Approval for UT's 11-story Dorm Plan”

Tampa Bay Times
Lucy Marques
March 13, 2026

The Tampa City Council voted to advance the school's rezoning request for the new residence hall on South Boulevard. The council will take a second look at the project on April 2, and the developers will need to revise a handful of items before then. City Council member Charlie Miranda, who voted for the project, said he thinks the University of Tampa is “one of the biggest assets that the city has had in many years." Similar stories ran on Fox 13, Tampa Bay Business Journal, Bay News 9 and Yahoo! News.

 

Why Higher Diesel Prices Could Increase the Cost of Goods

10 Tampa Bay
Miguel Octavio
March 10, 2026

Economics Professor Abby Hall said conflict in the Middle East is affecting oil markets because the region remains one of the predominant oil suppliers in the world. “When we think about the places where we use oil or petroleum, we think about putting it in our own cars, but people forget that when the price of crude oil increases, that increases the price of shipping goods and services across the country,” Hall said. Hall said that, in reference to Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical factor, considering millions of barrels of oil pass through it, and any threat to the route can disrupt supply and push prices higher.

 

Gas Prices on the Rise, May Hit $5 Average

WFLA
March 9, 2025

Aaron Wood, associate professor of economics, explains that gas prices are rising due to a classic case of “supply shock.” He said, “if we all want something, if we all need something, and all of a sudden that thing is not going to be there, there’s going to be intense competition to get that. And so those prices are going to rise.” Wood added that there will likely be a ripple effect, as many goods and products are made with oil and will be affected as well.

 

Best Credit Cards for International Travel

WalletHub
John Kiernan
March 6, 2026

Jennifer Burton, associate professor of marketing, gave her expert opinion on using credit cards for international travel. A few tips Burton shared: 1. The most important thing to look for in a travel card is attractive mileage offers and foreign fee waivers, 2. The biggest mistake that international travelers make is using their debit card for purchases, as credit cards offer better fraud protection, and 3. Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be accepted overseas than American Express or Discover.

 

New Year, New Fear: Wisconsin’s Migrant Farm Workers Have Long Had Access to Legal and Other Help. But They May Now Be Less Inclined To Ask for It.

Gazette Xtra (Janesville, WI)
Mike Sunnucks and Kali Hanson
March 4, 2026

Michael Coon, an economics professor and immigration expert, said immigration crackdowns have generally discouraged some migrant workers who previously would legally cross back and forth across the border for seasonal work, from coming to the U.S. “It makes it much more difficult,” Coon said.

 

Made in America, Fired Abroad — Washington’s Bullets Fuel Chaos and Blowback

The Orange County Register
Abby Hall
Feb. 27, 2026

In this opinion piece, Professor of Economics Abby Hall wrote about the phenomenon of weapons and ammunition made in the U.S. being used in Mexico. “Private U.S. companies maintain agreements that allow commercial weapons suppliers to sell excess inventory in domestic civilian markets. Once there, the ammunition is smuggled south across the U.S. border and makes its way to the weapons of the cartels. Indeed, many have pointed out how U.S. weapons manufacturers dominate Latin American markets and that the demand in the region is expected to grow. Many take this data as an opportunity to criticize the United States’ liberal gun policies.”

Story also appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pasadena Star-News.

 

When Sharks Attack

National Geographic
Feb. 26, 2026

Episodes of the TV documentary series When Sharks Attack, which feature Environmental Studies Chair and Professor Dan Huber, re-ran on National Geographic. The episodes use Huber’s insight as a shark bite expert. In one episode, Huber determines from a victim’s circular shark bite that he was attacked by the rarely seen cookie cutter shark.

 

Regina Photographer’s Seahorse Shots Showcased on National Geographic Cover

CJME (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Gillian Massie
Feb. 25, 2026

This profile on Canadian wildlife photographer Shane Gross mentions Dana Professor of Biology Heather Mason and her seahorse research. In January, National Geographic published a story on Mason’s discovery of the highest density of seahorses in the world, which went along with photography by Gross. Mason and Gross frequent Sweetings Pond, an inland pond on an island in the Bahamas, to study and photograph the seahorses.

 

Trump Poised to Tout Economy in State of the Union, but Mixed Signals Persist

Scripps News
Maura Bennet
Feb. 24, 2026

The economy was predicted to be a major theme in President Trump’s State of the Union address. Trump returned to the White House with promises to turn around the economy, but 13 months into his second term, he has delivered mixed results. “If I had to summarize the economy in one word, it would be uncertainty,” said Abby Hall, professor of economics. The most recent government data suggested improvements in job hiring could begin in 2026. “The overall picture from the job market is still one that really suggests that things are really sluggish,” said Hall.

Story appeared in 50+ national outlets, including Tampa Bay 28, LEX18-Lexington, News5-Cleveland, 10News-San Diego, and NewsChannel5-Nashville.

 

FedEx Sues U.S. After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Deutsche Welle TV
Feb. 24, 2026

FedEx is the first major company to sue the U.S. government over President Trump’s tariffs after they were declared illegal by the Supreme Court. Abby Hall, professor of economics, weighed in on the significance of the lawsuit. Hall said the scale of refunds being requested is estimated to be $130-175 billion, and that, historically, tariff refunds depend on a large variety of factors.

 

Florida Businesses Brace for Possible Tariff Hike Under Different Law After Supreme Court Decision

FOX 13
Blake DeVine
Feb. 23, 2026

Tampa Bay area businesses may soon feel the impact of a trade fight following a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. Abigail Hall, associate professor of economics, said the uncertainty surrounding tariffs creates challenges for companies. “These tariffs and the fact that they’re on again, off again, like a bad boyfriend,” she said. “It’s difficult for businesses to make plans.” Research from the Tax Foundation found that the recently struck-down tariffs cost the average U.S. household about $1,000 in 2025. That impact was projected to rise to roughly $1,300 per household in 2026. “At the end of the day, tariffs are taxes,” Hall said. “Taxes are ultimately paid for by consumers.”

 

Support, Opposition After Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs

WTSP
Miguel Octavio
Feb. 20, 2026

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, prompting reaction from all sides. Meanwhile, economists like University of Tampa Associate Professor Abby Hall said she feels relief from the higher court’s decision. “Economists very rarely agree on policies, but pretty much all economists are in agreement that tariffs are detrimental to the economy,” Hall said. Hall said tariffs are ultimately paid by consumers, meaning the impact wasn’t limited to foreign businesses, it was felt by local families as well. “It was estimated that if these tariffs remained in place, it would cost the average U.S. family approximately $1,300 extra next year,” Hall said.

Similar stories appeared in Tampa Bay Business & Wealth and Tampa Bay 28.

 

The Latest Economic Numbers: Slow Hiring, and Not Much Impact From Tariffs So Far

Scripps News
Simon Kaufman
Feb. 19, 2026

Ahead of President Trump's State of the Union address, the state of America's economy is in the spotlight. Economists say President Trump's tariffs haven't substantially altered America's trade imbalance yet. “This idea that were going to see a significant reduction in the trade deficit, especially over a short period of time — definitely not the case,” said Abby Hall, associate professor of economics.

 

Brayden Woodburn Ready To Lead University of Tampa Baseball to History

Spectrum Bay News 9
Michael Epps
Feb. 6, 2026

The University of Tampa baseball team is coming off winning back-to-back national championships. No Division II college baseball team has ever won three straight titles, nicknamed a “three-peat,” but this year’s squad is ready to try and change that. “Oh man, I mean winning one is hard enough, so doing two was even harder. And now, going for three, there’s definitely a target on your back and everybody’s shooting to win and beat you," said Brayden Woodburn, the starting second baseman for the last two seasons.

 

First Coast Connect

WJCT Radio
Feb. 5, 2026

Kendra Frorup, associate professor of art and design, was featured on the First Coast Connect radio show for a segment titled “Migration and memory.” Frorup goes over her new exhibition — Roots, Return and the Weight of Memory — at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, which showcases mixed media pieces drawing on her Afro-Caribbean roots.

 

Construction Set To Begin on New Science Center for UTampa

WFLA
Alaina Papazian
Jan. 29, 2026

UTampa announced that construction will soon begin on a new science center set to open in Spring 2029. The five-story, 153,000-square-foot Science Center will be located on the University’s downtown campus and will serve as the central academic hub for the College of Natural and Health Sciences.

A similar story appeared in Florida Business Observer and Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.

 

The Conversation

WMNF Radio
Jan. 28, 2025

Amanda Firestone, associate teaching professor of communication, joined The Conversation, a show about community and culture. Firestone talked about growing up in a small town, her love for cinema and the films she shows for her classes, meeting her husband while living in England, and minarets in architecture across the world.

 

Governing at Gunpoint: ICE in Minneapolis

Orange County Register
Abby Hall and Patrik Ward
Jan. 25, 2026

To make sense of ICE’s hostile presence in Minneapolis and President Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act, economics student Patrik Ward and associate professor Abby Hall look to history. “We have been here before,” they wrote in this op-ed. “In 1970, amid mounting protests against the Vietnam War, President Richard Nixon adopted inflammatory rhetoric. Guardsmen were deployed to anti-war protests.”

 

A 10% Credit Card Cap Would Make the Affordability Crisis Worse

Tampa Bay Times
Michael Coon and Abby Hall
Jan. 22, 2026

The president recently announced plans to “cap” or limit credit card interest rates at 10%, a significant decrease from U.S. average of just under 24%. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable way to help households reduce their monthly expenditures. In the wake of high inflation after the pandemic, many households turned to credit cards to make ends meet. U.S. household credit card debt has grown from $735 billion in 2021 to $1.1 trillion today. There’s just one major problem: This policy will backfire — spectacularly. It is important to understand that there is no single universal interest rate for credit. If credit card interest rates were capped, this would harm the very people such a policy aims to help. Not only would it fail to help borrowers, it would paradoxically make things less affordable. Lenders would only issue new credit cards to people with stellar credit. Those with fair credit would likely see their credit limits fall. And those at the bottom of the credit ladder? Shut out completely or pushed toward payday loans or black-market lending.

 

Love QT: Making Healthy Eating Fun

Bloom Tampa Bay (WFLA TV)
Natsha Castillo
Jan. 21, 2026

Stefani Milovanska-Farrington, founded Love QT, which sells tools and idea booklets to turn healthy eating for kids into fun quality time. On Bloom, Milovanska-Farrington demonstrates how to use the fruit and vegetable cutters to turn fresh produce into a garden landscape or under-the sea-scene. She said her 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son enjoy helping out and coming up with ideas, and end up eating a full serving of fruits and veggies by the time they’re done. 

 

Best Car Insurance in Florida

WalletHub
Candace Baker
Jan. 19, 2026

James Welch, instructor of management, shares his thoughts on celebrity endorsements of car insurance brands. “Many people buy auto insurance quickly and without a deep understanding of the details, so familiar faces and memorable advertising help companies stand out and build recognition. However … Buyers of more complex or specialized insurance products typically focus on coverage quality, financial stability, and service reputation instead of celebrity appeal. This contrast shows how the auto insurance market depends heavily on brand awareness, while more sophisticated insurance markets emphasize professional credibility and experience.”

 

Extend the New START Treaty Now

The Washington Times
Abby Hall and Patrik Ward
Jan. 18, 2026

Economics student Patrik Ward and associate professor Abby Hall Blanco posit that U.S. policymakers need to focus immediately on extending the START treaty between the United States and Russia, which is set to expire in February, if they want to avoid what could be a global financial catastrophe. 

 

6 Ways To Talk About Taboo Topics

TEDx Talks
Jan. 17, 2026

Abby Hall, associate professor of economics, discusses the importance of navigating tough conversations around divisive topics like pornography, the death penalty and abortion with confidence and curiosity. She shares six economic ideas that can help us engage more productively, scrutinize our own beliefs, and model the behavior we wish to see in others.

Local Iranians To Rally in Tampa this Weekend

Spectrum Bay News 9
Dalia Dangerfield
Jan. 16, 2026

Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, said in this news story that while a friendlier regime in Iran would benefit the U.S., President Trump should be careful about intervening. “The potential pitfalls of intervening in Iran are many,” said Hall. “We don’t have a particularly good history of regime change and exporting democracy abroad. We also have to remember the geopolitical allies, including China and Russia.”

 

Revealing the Hidden Kingdom of Seahorses

National Geographic
Lindsey Liles
Jan. 15, 2026

Heather Mason, Dana professor of biology, usually sees no more than a few seahorses, her main creature of study, on multi-week research trips in the ocean. But when she visited Sweetings Pond in the Bahamas, she encountered 16 in one weekend. The landlocked saltwater lagoon is a safe haven for seahorses and other marine life such as brittle stars, spider crabs, octopusesand bioluminescent plankton. A refuge where several of the species’ regular predators — skates and rays, tuna, sharks —can’t possibly break in. “It’s an island on an island,” explains Mason. Inside Sweetings Pond, Mason found seahorses as singular as the body of water itself. With oddly long snouts, squat bodies, and short tails, they differed radically from anything she had seen since she’d begun studying the creatures in 1990. She and her collaborator, evolutionary biologist Emily Rose, a 2007 UTampa alum, classified them as lined seahorses, Hippocampus erectus — but the seahorses of Sweetings are on the path to becoming their own subspecies. Observing so many of them in isolation offers “an opportunity to study evolution in action,” as Mason puts it.

 

Spotlight On: Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, President, University of Tampa

Invest Tampa Bay
Jan. 14, 2026

The latest issue of the Invest: Tampa Bay report featured a Q&A with UTampa president Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg. Dahlberg talks about recent changes that have shaped the University’s priorities, such as rebranding from “UT” to “UTampa;” UTampa’s increasing enrollment and faculty recruitment among uncertainty in higher education; and collaborating with community partners.

 

Criminal Investigation of Fed Chair Worries Experts About Fed Independence

Alex Zank
Jan. 13, 2026

Economists and business leaders say a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has them concerned about the central bank’s independence. “If the Federal Reserve becomes politicized, then that would indicate that decisions about interest rates or other things that the Fed does are going to be based on politics and not on data, which is remarkably problematic,” said Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics. If businesses lose confidence in the Fed’s impartiality, they lose confidence in what the economic future may look like, Hall continued. In that situation, they tend to hold off on making decisions until there’s more certainty.

 

Viral TikTok: 1997 Receipt Sparks Grocery Debate

WFLA TV
Jan. 12, 2025

A TikTok user recently found an old grocery receipt from 1997 that totaled $155. The same user returned to the same store and bought the same items, and the total exceeded $500. Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, weighed in on whether salaries and wages have kept up with the pace of inflation since 1997. In general, she said that income for those with bachelor’s degrees or higher have risen at least as fast as inflation, while those with a high school diploma or less haven’t seen a significant rise in income in the last 25 years or so. 

 

Florida Bill Would Require Recess for All Middle School Students

WFLA TV
Jan. 9, 2026

Adrianne Wilson, associate professor of education, said that a new bill requiring 100 minutes of recess each week, without phones or electronics, in Florida middle schools has both pros and cons. Wilson cites the CDC’s recommendations on physical activity for student development, however the implementation could lead to logistical challenges, such as supervision and minimizing class time.

 

Liberation or Occupation? The Illusion of U.S. Regime Change

Daily Bulletin
Patrik Ward and Abby Hall Blanco
Jan. 5, 2026

While the U.S. operation to remove Nicolas Maduro from power was framed as a necessary intervention to combat narco-trafficking and restore order, economics student Patrik Ward and associate professor Abby Hall Blanco know that it isn’t that simple. “The question is not whether Maduro was a problem. The question is whether the U.S. invasion and forced regime change can provide a long-term solution. … For more than half a century, the U.S. has repeatedly tried to reshape foreign governments through force, often with confidence that this time would be different. In Latin America alone, U.S.-backed coups and interventions—from Guatemala in 1954 to Chile in 1973 and Panama in 1989—were justified as necessary corrections to instability, authoritarianism, or drugs.”

 

After Maduro: Why Regime Change Doesn’t Mean Stability for Venezuela — or Investors

Global Finance Magazine
Anthony Noto
Jan. 5, 2025

Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, explains what Maduro’s removal means for Venezuela, global markets and the risks of U.S.-led regime change in this Q&A. She emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the situation, which makes it hard to predict potential outcomes, but used her expertise as a foreign intervention scholar. 

 

Uncertainty Following Maduro’s Capture

WFLA TV
Jan. 4, 2025

Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, said that reactions to U.S. involvement in Maduro’s removal are mixed among the Venezuelan diaspora in Florida as well as in the country itself. “People can be very, very happy that Maduro is gone. At the same time, people can also be remarkably concerned and unhappy about the U.S.’s involvement in that removal.” She added that the regime is not gone, as many key political figures are still in Venezuela, such as the vice president and the head of their military. 

 

Arrest of Venezuelan Leader Maduro in Military Operation Sparks Questions About What’s Next

Tampa Bay 28
Blake Phillips
Jan. 4, 2025

The United States executed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” striking Venezuelan defenses and arresting President Nicolas Maduro in a move that has dramatically altered Venezuela's political landscape. Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics who researches foreign intervention, feels the next steps are the most important. With Rodriguez now in charge, Hall believes there could be increased U.S. investment in Venezuela, though she noted uncertainty about future political and military developments. The operation has also raised questions about whether the Trump administration should have sought congressional approval beforehand. Hall said the administration is following a playbook used by both political parties. “The Authorization for the Use of Military Force or AUMFs that were implemented in the early 2000s as part of the War on Terror. Those have provided kind of wide justification for executives from 2001 onward to engage in a variety of activities in the name of counterterrorism, effectively bypassing Congress,” Hall said.