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Articles by Jenna Lee
Metrobus Wants Drivers to Tell Passengers the Fare. Drivers Say That’s Dangerous. Who’s Right?
Should Metrobus drivers announce the fare to passengers as they board? Or does so-called “quoting the fare” put drivers at unnecessary risk? These questions are at the center of an ongoing debate between WMATA and the union representing Metrobus drivers, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689.
UCF Celebrates Completion of the Roth Tower Project to Increase Premium Capacity, Expand Suite Offerings
Home » Home » UCF Celebrates Completion of the Roth Tower Project to Increase Premium Capacity, Expand Suite Offerings UCF Celebrates Completion of the Roth Tower Project to Increase Premium Capacity, Expand Suite Offerings Made Possible by $90 Million Commitment of Orange County Tourist Development Tax Revenues Orange County leaders joined UCF President Alexander N.
UCF’s Roth Tower 2.0 Is Here, and You’ve Got To See It
UCF celebrated the completion of the Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from Orange County. The tower increases premium capacity, expands suite offerings and provides unique event opportunities year-round, attracting more fans, visitors and events to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village beyond game days.
UCF’s Football Stadium Gains 2, Alumni-Made Murals
When droves of fans step inside the gates of the new and improved Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House, they’ll be greeted with two one-of-a-kind, alumni-made murals and a welcome message that’s 100% UCF: “It’s a perfect day to bounce in Orange County, Florida.” The Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G.
A New Horror and Sci-Fi Bookstore Is Coming to Alexandria
Long Dark House, 1510 King St. While many kids grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons and Disney movies, some of Chanthal Harris’ fondest childhood memories are watching Chucky, Tales from the Crypt and The Twilight Zone with her parents. “I truly from an early age always really loved horror, and I guess I have my parents to blame for that,” she says. Harris is combining her love of horror and reading into Long Dark House, an independent bookstore in Alexandria.
DC Just Adopted Ranked-Choice Voting. The DNC May Undermine It.
Ranked-choice voting made its DC debut this summer, when voters used the system in June’s primary elections to select party nominees for mayor and DC Council members. DC residents had overwhelmingly voted to implement the system in the November 2024 election.
Guide to Social Activities, Belonging at UCF
Earning your degree is just one, albeit important, part of the college experience. Just as significant are the connections you make, the communities you join and the experiences that shape your time as a Knight. This guide is a resource to help you develop a sense of belonging, find community and build lifelong friendships while studying at UCF. Every year, students vie for special-edition rubber ducks at the Homecoming Week tradition, Spirit Splash.
Several Smithsonians Closed Due to “Mechanical Issue”
News & Politics It is unclear what the issue is, and why it is affecting only certain museums. Smithsonian Institution Building, "The Castle." Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institution announced that several of their museums on the National Mall would be closed Thursday due to a “mechanical issue,” but did not provide further details.
Viral Goat Lil Bob: What to Know
A man and his goat became the talk of the town over the weekend after a video went viral of Metro Transit Police Officers taking the man into custody in Navy Yard. Speculation online immediately started brewing, generating outrage that a man would be arrested for just having a goat. That man’s name is Kyrie Givens, and he and his goat Lil Bob have been Southeast DC residents for months, with Givens documenting their escapades on his Instagram and Tiktok (@kynobap).
Pirro Gave Up on Other Reflecting Pool Prosecutions, Too
The DC US Attorney’s Office led by Jeanine Pirro moved to drop vandalism charges against the canoeist David Hearn Friday. It also dropped cases against three additional people it had claimed damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to court filings from Pirro.
New UCF Grad Spreads the Value of Financial Literacy
During her journey at UCF, accounting alum Natalie Otero ’26 gained industry experience by completing an internship with the Lockheed Martin College Workforce Experience Program and two more with Deloitte. This summer, Otero is again interning with Deloitte before pursuing a master’s in accounting at the University of North Carolina — setting her up for a successful career as an accountant.
Why 600,000 Mosquitoes Are Being Released in DC This Summer
Sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire. At least, that’s the mindset Bee Safe Mosquito Control is taking in their approach of releasing 600,000 mosquitoes across DC this summer. The male mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia bacteria, which works to sterilize female mosquitoes. The good news for DC residents is that the male mosquitoes do not bite humans, and once they mate with females, the bacteria they carry prevents future eggs from hatching.
UCF’s Summer 2026 Commencement Set for July 31-Aug 1
UCF will award more than 4,900 degrees during this summer’s ceremonies, continuing its record-setting momentum in preparing highly skilled graduates for in-demand fields, including engineering, computer science, business, nursing, and digital and emerging media. Worth noting among this graduating class: Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma. More than 25% of this term’s degrees are tied to STEM majors.
UCF Engineering Students’ Excellence Celebrated With 2026 Astronaut Scholarship
For 2026, three UCF engineering students, who are Burnett Honors Scholars, have received Astronaut Scholarships, a national award that helps maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology. Two recipients, Keanu Brayman and Kyle Coutray also earned the honor in 2025. Joshua Taggart, who dreams of working in the space industry, has received the honor for the first time this year.
Meet the Prince George’s County Hairstylist Behind Zendaya’s “The Odyssey” Looks
Before Coree Moreno was channeling the Greek goddess Athena on the red carpet to create Zendaya’s hairstyles for The Odyssey press tour, he was styling his younger sister’s hair every morning before school at his home in Prince George’s County. That started when he was 11.
Pediatric Opioid Prescribing at Discharge by Surgical Subspecialty
In the last decade, opioid stewardship has become a pillar of surgical care and a key metric in hospital ranking,1,2 resulting in a decline in postoperative opioid prescribing.3 However, receiving an opioid prescription after surgery remains the most common way opioids enter a child’s home, where unused medications4 could contribute to nonmedical use and other high-risk behaviors.5 In 2023, the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric...
Temporary Military Monument Coming to National Mall
A new monument honoring America’s military service members is set to be installed this month in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will consist of two screens displaying the names of more than 41 million people who have served this country. The monument, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and timed to honor America’s 250th birthday, will stand between the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool from July 28 through August 23.
Temporary Military Monument Coming to National Mall
Updated Tue, July 21, 2026 at 4:02 PM UTC A new monument honoring America’s military service members is set to be installed this month in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will consist of two screens displaying the names of more than 41 million people who have served this country. The monument, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and timed to honor America’s 250th birthday, will stand between the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool from July 28 through August 23.
Temporary Military Monument Coming to National Mall
A new monument honoring America’s military service members is set to be installed this month in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will consist of two screens displaying the names of more than 41 million people who have served this country. The monument, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and timed to honor America’s 250th birthday, will stand between the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool from July 28 through August 23.
2 Engineering Professors, 1 Alum Inducted Into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is a state-wide initiative dedicated to honoring and celebrating Florida inventors whose achievements have significantly advanced the quality of life for all Americans. Professor Reza Abdolvand was named an inductee for his contributions to the field of micro-electromechanical systems, which has significant applications in telecommunications, bioengineering and sensor technology.
What to Know About the 2026 Mubadala DC Open
The Mubadala DC Open returns to the William HG FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park from July 25 to August 2 with a stacked lineup of athletes. In addition to the gameplay, this year’s tournament features a new outdoor fan zone, Michelin-starred chefs, and single-day VIP passes. Here’s what to know about the 2026 DC Open: The Players The tournament brings together some of the world’s top players and multiple Grand Slam winners.
Hospitality Alumna Forges Her Own Path While Giving Back to Others
When it came to deciding her career path, there was only ever Plan A for Bella Cortier ’22: theme parks The native Floridian dreamed of working in one someday and knew UCF — located next door to some of the world’s premiere theme parks with a solid pipeline to the industry — was her ticket to get there. Never mind that at the time of her enrollment to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in 2020, a global pandemic had quite literally closed the doors on the industry.
UCF Sport Business Students Stand Out in Competitive U.S. Golf Internship Program Original
Knights affiliated with the UCF DeVos sport business management program are landing some of the most sought-after opportunities for professional experience on the biggest of stages. Alums Erica Carnegie ’26MSBM ’26MBA, Aliya Everett ’26MSBM ’26MBA and current graduate student Zuri Sims represented UCF in the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) 2026 Pathways Discover Program during this summer’s 126th U.S. Open Championship.
Olympian Charged With Vandalizing Reflecting Pool Pleads Not Guilty
David Hearn, the former Olympian indicted on charges of felony destruction of property for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.
UCF Grad’s Career Pivot Leads to Historic NBA Championship Experience
It’s been about three weeks since the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship title in 53 years, and Olivia White ’16 is just now nearly recovered from the euphoric chaos that has been her daily life for months. In September, one month before the Knicks tipped off their 2025-26 season, White was promoted to manager of event presentation at Madison Square Garden.
Court Denies Trump’s Attempt to Reinstall His Name on Kennedy Center
The US Court of Appeals for DC ruled today that President Donald Trump cannot put his name back on the Kennedy Center during ongoing litigation stemming from a lawsuit filed by Representative Joyce Beatty. US District Judge Christopher Cooper—in response to Beatty’s lawsuit—ordered in May that the center remove Trump’s name from its facade. After some last-minute appeal attempts, the administration complied and the name came down, but the change remains obscured from public view by a tarp.
UCF Elementary Education Alum Turns Chronic Illness into Platform for Education, Community
Mondeson Mondesir ’17 has navigated several challenges in his personal life — the death of a parent, extreme weight loss to better his health and a chronic illness diagnosis that derailed his chosen profession — but they’ve all led him to his path today. The elementary education grad started his podcast, The Chronic Brew, to explore topics of chronic illness with patients, caregivers and medical professionals to deepen public understanding and build community among those affected.
Legal Experts Agree: The Reflecting Pool Felony Case Faces Long Odds
In the latest wrinkle in the Reflecting Pool saga, US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro announced in a press conference last Thursday that former Olympic canoeist David Hearn was indicted in DC Superior Court on felony destruction of property charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool.
CATER Named an Official University Research Center
At the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER), the mission is simple: CATER to the energy needs of society. For 20 years, researchers affiliated with the center have worked on groundbreaking projects in power generation, space propulsion and aviation that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in power generation, air travel and spaceflight.
New UCF Study Links Microgravity, Space Radiation to Accelerated Aging
What happens to the human body in space may help scientists create new anti-aging therapies. UCF Professor Michal Masternak and his team have identified molecular changes in the liver that happen when space travers experience radiation and microgravity. These changes – that resemble accelerated aging – provide new insight into how prolonged space missions may increase health risks for astronauts and reveal potential targets for therapies that could combat age-related diseases on Earth.
UCF Alum Finds Calling in Giving Voice to Heroes of Public Service
In times of crisis, the community needs people who can convey urgent safety information in a clear, efficient manner: In other words, someone to be the voice for the heroes. That’s where School of Public Administration alum Joshua Holder ’19 has found his purpose. A public relations outreach specialist for Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS (Emergency Medical Services), Holder serves as the communication bridge between the community and those who work to protect them every day.
UCF Foundation Board Announces New Appointments for 2026-27
The UCF Foundation Board of Directors voted to appoint seven new directors and two new committee advisors, whose terms will begin July 1, further strengthening the leadership and expertise guiding philanthropic support for the university’s future. The incoming directors are Tiffany Altizer ’90MST, Stuart Brown ’97, Todd Feintuch ’04, Ryan Kelley ’03 ’11MBA, Rhett Rosen ’05, Naveed Shujaat ’04 ’06MBA and Fabio Zacco.
Café Unido Brings Panamanian Coffee to Buzzard Point
About DC Restaurant Openings A guide to the newest places to eat and drink. More from DC Restaurant Openings Café Unido. 2099 1st St., SW. Café Unido is known for its Panamanian coffee, including its Geisha variety, among the most prized and expensive in the wold. At its newest location in Buzzard Point, you’ll be able to try a flight of Geisha coffees, known for their vibrant, floral flavors, for $40, and buy the beans to make it at home.
Research in 60 Seconds: What History Can Teach Us About Today’s Society
Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge of scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world. Name: John Sacher Position(s): Professor of history Why are you interested in this research?
A Giant Playground Is Opening Inside DC’s National Building Museum
In the thick of summer’s hottest months, The National Building Museum understands the desire to bring fun indoors. For its latest summer installation, the museum is partnering with the firm Snarkitecture to build a 14,000-square-foot indoor playground, meant to serve as both an arena for children’s play and, for adults, a reminder of simpler times. Complete with a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, and 100-foot-long obstacle course, the installation—dubbed The Playground—is set to open July 3.
A Giant Playground Is Opening Inside DC’s National Building Museum
In the thick of summer's hottest months, The National Building Museum understands the desire to bring fun indoors. For its latest summer installation, the museum is partnering with the firm Snarkitecture to build a 14,000-square-foot indoor playground, meant to serve as both an arena for children's play and, for adults, a reminder of simpler times. Complete with a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, and 100-foot-long obstacle course, the installation—dubbed The Playground—is set to open July 3.
Your Guide to Fourth of July Fun in the DC Area
Still figuring out your Fourth of July plans? We’ve got ideas. Watch Fireworks Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress. You may want to chug a 5-Hour Energy to make it to this year’s fireworks on the National Mall: The show is expected to start somewhere between 10:30 PM and 11 PM.
UCF Students Reimagine Clothing Through Adaptive Design
UCF students across disciplines partnered with patient volunteers and caregivers to design clothing that makes daily tasks easier and more accessible for people facing medical, mobility and sensory challenges. The project transformed classroom learning into real-world solutions that empower people to live more independently, while teaching students that impactful innovation starts with understanding the needs and experiences of those they hope to help.
Freedom Plaza Unveils New Revolutionary War Statues
The Department of the Interior hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to officially unveil all 13 Revolutionary War soldiers depicted in an exhibition at DC’s Freedom Plaza. Earlier this summer, the Trump administration installed a statue of Revolutionary War soldier Caesar Rodney, best known for his horseback ride from Delaware to Philadelphia to cast his vote for the nation’s independence in July 1776.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Is Being Drained—Again
When it comes to the ongoing algae struggles of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, history repeats itself. Just as former President Barack Obama had to drain the pool after his $34 million repairs resulted in an algae bloom, the National Park Service confirmed in a federal court filing Wednesday they plan to drain the pool after July 4 celebrations to repair damage to the “American Flag Blue” lining.
UCF-Led VERA Project Reaches 2 Major Milestones for VR Research
In 2023, Pegasus Professor Greg Welch was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to create a system, VERA, that enables researchers nationwide to conduct large-scale studies in extended reality environments. UCF Associate Professor Gerd Bruder is leading VERA’s first large-scale study with virtual participants, which will focus on cybersickness.
First Look: The New Museum Hidden Under the Lincoln Memorial Original
A new museum and exhibit is opening beneath the Lincoln Memorial on June 25, giving visitors a look at the underground structure that supports the massive monument as well as historic documents like the 13th Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation. The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum, a $69 million project first announced in 2016, takes visitors underground, where they can walk among the 122 concrete pillars that hold up the monument.
Now They’re Pouring Hydrogen Peroxide Into the Reflecting Pool
The race to de-greenify the Reflecting Pool continues, as National Park Service workers were seen dumping bottles of hydrogen peroxide into the pool Tuesday morning.
Reflecting Pool’s “American Flag Blue” Turns Green Due to Algae
The Trump administration’s renovations of the Reflecting Pool on DC’s National Mall held up for about a week. Construction crews spent weeks painting the more-than-2,000-foot-long pool “American Flag Blue” at Donald Trump’s request, ahead of the country’s 250th birthday. Although the shallow Reflecting Pool has long been plagued by algae growth, a pool renovation expert told Washingtonian that the color of the paint could be exacerbating the problem.
DOJ: Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s name has been removed from the façade of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., following a fierce, down-to-the-wire legal battle.
TSA Gold + program launching at U.S. airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced its launch of a new airport security initiative, TSA Gold +. The program could expand private companies’ involvement in passenger screening operations across the nation.
U.S. Army joins UFC Freedom 250 to celebrate 251 years of service
The U.S. Army will celebrate its 251st anniversary on Sunday with nationwide events scheduled throughout the weekend to honor the Army’s rich history, traditions and soldiers past and present.
Trump to meet with French president at Versailles post-G7 summit
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following Monday’s G7 summit in the French lakeside town of Evian-les-Bains.
U.S. Army joins UFC Freedom 250 to celebrate 251 years of service
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