Boeing's $3.9 Billion Mistake Paved the Way for That Qatari Jet: Report
The Western Journal
V. Saxena
May 19, 2025
After Boeing missed their deadline to deliver two new 747 Air Force jets for the White House, President Donald Trump started to consider accepting a jet from Qatar. However, accepting a new Air Force One jetfrom Qatar meanwhile would not be as simple as affixing a new name and logo to it. “You would need to essentially disassemble it and reassemble it with all the necessary modifications,” Abigail Hall Blanco, a defense expert and associate professor of economics, explained.
Terrifying Data Reveals Exact Date When US’ Natural-born Population Will ‘Go Extinct’
Daily Mail
Emily Joshu Sterne
May 17, 2025
New data suggests America's natural-born population could edge toward extinction in 500 years. Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, highlightsAmerica's decreasing fertility rate, which was shown in a report last month by the CDC. However, Hall Blanco cautioned it may still be several decades before the US fertility crisis reaches the level of countries like South Korea. She said, “We've still had a growing population because of immigration, so we have not seen a shift or a downward trend economically in the way that, say, Korea, Japan or Germany has, because we've supplanted our population through immigration.”
Boeing Bungled $3.9B Air Force One Project, Blew Past Deadline and Opened Door for Qatari Jet Offer
Fox Business
Morgan Phillips
May 16, 2025
Boeing has already reported more than $2.5 billion in losses from their deal with the White House to construct two Air Force jets. “Cost overruns or delays in delivery are certainly not a novel phenomenon,” said Abigail Hall Blanco, defense expert and associate professor of economics.If the government were to cancel the contract, it is unclear how much of that money Boeing could recover. “Typically, the government has wide latitude to canceldefense contracts,”Blanco said. “Now, that doesn't mean that companies can’t seek compensation for work already done. But given the particulars of the fixed-cost contract with Boeing, it’s unclear what cancellation would actually entail.”
How Should Florida Prep for Storms? These Top 2025 Grads Have Ideas
Tampa Bay Times
Divya Kumar
May 16, 2025
Yuly Restrepo, assistant professor of English, served as a judge for an essay contest that asked local high school seniors how they were affected by last year’s hurricanes and what the community could do differently ahead of this year’s hurricane season.
’sJordan Williams Has Perfected the Art of the Steal
Tampa Bay Times
Shane Petagna
May 15, 2025
In April, Master’s student and outfielder Jordan Williams broke UTampa’s record for the most bases stolen in a single season with 53 bases. Since then, he has stolen 15 more, bringing him to a total of 69 steals, more than any other player at all three divisions of the NCAA. “Great base stealers, they lack fear, they’re aggressive, they’re not worried about getting thrown out,” said Spartans head coach Joe Urso. “And (Jordan) lacks fear.”
University of Tampa President Outlines Goals After First Year at UTampa
Spectrum Bay News 9
Dalia Dangerfield
May 12, 2025
After one year as UTampa’s 11thpresident, Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg summarized her experience so far and laid out what is yet to come for the University. Dahlberg touched on rebranding from ҹɫto UTampa, student housing, keeping up with federal and state laws regarding DEI programs, increasing the graduation rate and how to implement AI on campus.
UTampa To Offer Dual Degree Program
10 Tampa Bay
May 12, 2025
University of Tampa will offer a dual degree program in partnership with a university in France. Graduate students from the Sykes College of Business will be able to earn two master’s of science degrees simultaneously. The first-of-its-kind program will only take six students every year, who will attend classes on both campuses.
2 Longtime Area Coaches Retired. So Who Now Owns the Longest Tenures?
Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
May 12, 2025
Both of the Tampa Bay area’s longest-tenured coaches — Chris Catanach, UTampa’s head volleyball coach for 41 years, and Jim Macaluso, King High baseball coach for 50 years — retired after this school year’s seasons. In a roundup of the area’s other longtime coaches, head softball coach Leslie Kanter (31 seasons), head coach of women’s basketball Tom Jessee (23 seasons), and head baseball coach Joe Urso (25 seasons) were all included with the top seven longest-tenured college coaches.
Urso Duo Seeking Program’s 10th Title
Spectrum Bay News 9
May 11, 2025
Father and son duo Joe and JD Urso, head coach of Spartans baseball and starting shortstop, respectively, are hoping to win their first national championship title together. When the Spartans won last year, JD was playing for University of Miami before he transferred to UTampa for a master’s degree. “If it happens,” said Joe Urso, “there’s going to be a lot of tears in my eyes because it will be a very proud moment.”
Why the Federal Reserve Risks Falling Behind the Curve as Recession Fears Rise
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
May 10, 2025
While public sentiment indicates fear of a recession, the numerical data does not yet show an economic downturn. However, Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, argues that “pronouncements of recession start dates can occur well after the downturn is underway — the determination that the Great Recession actually began in December 2007was madein December 2008,” so there may be a delay in announcing an official recession.
Experts Reveal Exactly How Trump’s Tariffs Will Affect Food Prices — Particularly on Coffee
HuffPost
Garin Pirnia
May 7, 2025
For the first time in U.S. history, the government has placed a blanket 10% tariff on every single country, whichMichael Coon, associate professor of economics, calls “unusual.” “The only place you really see something like that is in lower-income countries that don’t have the infrastructure to collect income taxes,” Coon told HuffPost. “It’s easier for them to collect tariffs at the port because you have to set up a customs office on the dock.”
Billions Spent, Warfighters Wait: Inside the Pentagon’s Broken Buying System and the Plan To Fix It
Fox News
Morgan Phillips
May 2, 2024
According to the Army's top technology officer, the Pentagon is trapped in a cycle of outdated thinking and paperwork that could hinder the U.S. in the next great-power conflict. Abigail Blanco, defense expert and associate professor of economics, says one of the issues is that defense contractors face "small penalties" for going over-budget and lawmakers are reticent to cut old weapons systems, leading to waste at DOD.
University of Tampa Names Chief Human Resources Officer
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Jo-Lynn Brown
May 1, 2025
ҹɫ has appointed Michael “Mike” Hill as its new vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer, effective June 1. Hill currently serves as chief human resources officer at North Carolina Central University, where he led initiatives to modernize HR operations and improve employee engagement. At UT, he will oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, training and development, compensation, benefits, Title IX compliance and more.
US Economy Shrinks for First Time in Three Years
DW News
April 30, 2025
Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, says that even though tariffs are causing an economic downturn, markets respond well when the policies are paused or relaxed, which suggests that there is still room to turn things around.
5 Ways Trump has Changed the Economy in His First 100 Days
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
April 30, 2025
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, lists the effects that President Trump’s policies have had on the economy within his first 100 days in office: Century-high tariff rates, resetting trade and shaking up international relations, a flight from U.S. financial assets, migration patterns and the labor market, and gutting the IRS ahead of tax cuts.
Stock Market Retreat in Trump’s First 100 Days Is Among the Worst Starts for a President in Almost a Century
Fortune
Ben Weiss and Irina Ivanova
April 29, 2025
From January 20 to late April, the S&P 500 has dropped almost 8%. The President and his new Department of Government Efficiency also eliminated a large part of the federal government, which has analysts worried about how cuts in federal spending may affect private contractors. “It’s a massive source of revenue for many different types of firms, not just government firms, but also private firms,” said Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics.
Opinion: Tariffs Are an Economic Hurricane for Florida Businesses
Florida Business Observer
Abigail Hall Blanco and Michael Coon
April 29, 2025
Associate Professors of Economics Abigail Hall Blanco and Michael Coon prepare business owners for what to expect when tariffs hit. Florida is the eighth largest destination for imports in the United States, so businesses will be paying more for the same items, which include vehicles, cell phones, furniture, clothing, alcohol, produce, coffee and more.
Dollar Collapse: The Crisis Is No Longer Just Theoretical
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
April 28, 2025
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, explains how tariffs are not as helpful as they seem: “The standard textbook viewpoint implied that the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. would lead to a strengthening of the American dollar against the currencies of its major trading partners…. Furthermore, given the U.S. dollar’s status as a safe-haven currency, one would have expected that periods of heightened global uncertainty would generate a ‘flight-to-safety’ investment flow into Treasury securities and caused a strengthening of the world’s pre-eminent reserve currency. Yet reality has turned out to be quite different. Even as President Trump’s chaotic tariff policy has raised the risk of a global trade war and generated a dramatic surge inglobal policy uncertaintyandmarket volatility, the U.S. dollar has weakened.”
Volunteering Is a Lifestyle for University of Tampa Senior Who Is Vital Part of Museum’s Team
FOX 13
Mark Wilson
April 23, 2025
Senior psychology major Sean Machado Guzman has volunteered at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Ybor City for the last four years. “We often expect a reward or something in return for volunteering but that's never been the case for me,” Guzman shared. “I just like seeing things flow and like my actions helping other people and then inspiring those to do the same as well.”
AI as an Educational Ally: Innovative Strategies for Classroom Integration
Faculty Focus
Lisa Delgado Brown
April 23, 2025
Lisa Delgado Brown, assistant professor of education, wrote this op-ed to share her experience with integrating generative AI tools into her class curriculums. As her students are studying to become teachers themselves, she emphasizes the importance of finding a way to use the tools as a strength for both students and educators.
Spring Grove’s Wolfe Twins Lead Tampa Beach Volleyball to 3rd Straight National Title
York Dispatch
April 22, 2025
Hailey and Nevaeh Wolfe’s hometown newspaper covered the twins’ national championship win in beach volleyball. The Wolfes were named the AVCA Collegiate Beach Pair of the Week and finished the season with a record of 25-4 as a duo.
Tampa Spartans Volleyball Coach Chris Catanach Retires After 41 Years
Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
April 22, 2025
Named the Spartans’ fourth coach in ’84, Catanach amassed a 1,227-223 record. He retires as the second-winningest active NCAA volleyball coach (Divisions I, II and III) and his .846 career win percentage ranks seventh all-time among active NCAA volleyball coaches at any level. “He is the best coach I’ve ever been around, hands down, and is the most well-rounded,” UTampa athletic director Larry Marfise said.
The Gig Economy and Uber’s Impact on Tampa Bay
WUSF
Matthew Peddie, Gracyn Doctor
April 15, 2025
Dragana Mrvos, assistant professor of political science and international studies, joins the Florida Matters podcast for a conversation about how Uber driving fits into the wider gig economy in Tampa Bay.
Taking Action
ABC Action News
April 14, 2025
Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics, was asked to give insight on the latest inflation report. Stockwell said that experts were forecasting inflation to be higher than it was, and the decrease was largely fueled by lower energy prices.
UTampa Students Raise $200K To Help Grant Riverview Teen’s Wish for Hawaii Trip
WFLA
Brody Wooddell
April 10, 2025
In February, UTampa students in fraternities and sororities raised more than $200,000 for Make-a-Wish Southern Florida. Their donation funded a Hawaii trip for a teenager in Riverview with a long history of hospitalization, so the students threw her and her family a sendoff party on campus before she left for vacation.
Trade Myths (and Facts) with Prof. Michael Coon
Free the Economy Podcast
April 10, 2025
Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, joined the Free the Economy podcast to talk about “everything tariff-related,” including comparative advantage, global supply chains, exemptions and subsidies, and steel versus plastic.
Which Demographics Are the Most Affected by Trump’s Tariffs and Market Turmoil?
Deutsche Welle
April 7, 2025
While it’s obvious that the plummeting stock market affects high-level investors, Abigail Hall Blanco explains how ordinary people can be impacted. For example, retirees living off of pensions may be experiencing losses.
Elon Musk Says That He Wishes for ‘Zero Tariffs’ Between US and Europe in the Long Run
Deutsche Welle
April 5, 2025
Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, theorizes why Musk is opposed to the tariffs set by close associate President Trump. Some reasons could be the impact on his company Tesla, or an attempt at correction by the Trump administration.
Stock Market Plummets Amid Tariff Uncertainty — Here’s What Experts Say To Do Next
FOX 13
Evyn Moon
April 4, 2025
The Dow has experienced its biggest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, described the situation as “absolute carnage in the markets right now…. This is not necessarily a brand-new phenomenon,” said Hall. “This is not the first time that markets have seriously taken a downturn like this. However, this is very clearly tied to the recent policies of the current administration and then also in response to the news from China that they're going to be levying retaliatory tariffs against the United States.”
How Donald Trump’s Tariffs Will Impact Florida: ‘Economic Hurricane’
Newsweek
Ewan Palmer
April 4, 2025
PresidentDonald Trump's sweeping global tariffs will negatively affect his adopted home state of Florida, experts have warned. Abigail Hall Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the University of Tampa, toldNewsweekthat Trump's tariff plans are like a "Category 5 economic hurricane created by policy" that will damage businesses in the Sunshine State.
Stock Market Tumble Impacts Retirement Savings; Florida Economists Explain
WFLA
April 3, 2025
Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, noted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down from its peak in December. However, it is still slightly higher now than it was a year ago. He said those who aren’t planning on retiring still have time to recover your losses.
Why a Stock Market Selloff May Trigger a US Recession
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
April 3, 2025
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, acknowledges that economists’ predictions of a recession in recent years did not come true, but several new developments in the economy now make it seem inevitable.
Tariff Pain ‘Will Be Felt For Years,’ Says Economist as Trump’s ‘Nasty Times’ Warning Resurfaces
The Mirror
Debadrita Sur
April 3, 2025
While President Trump is hailing tariffs as saving American industry, economists are struggling to see the upside. “Anything that we import is going to be expensive,” said Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics. “American consumers are going to hurt as a result of these policies. Tariffs are economically detrimental, no matter how you try to spin them.”
DOGE’s Private Contract Crackdown Has Eliminated More Than 120 Deloitte Contracts — More Than Twice the Amount of Any Other Consultancy
Fortune
Sasha Rogelberg
April 3, 2025
Major consulting firm Deloitte has been hit hard by contract terminations carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency. “There are lots of entities, private entities, who rely on — in whole or in part — various government contracts or government funding to fulfill their primary objectives,” said Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics.
Tariffs Impacts: Tampa Businesses See Quick Price Hikes on Foreign Goods
FOX 13
Evyn Moon
April 2, 2025
President Donald Trumphopes new tariffs imposed on all foreign goods will make people buy more items that are American-made, but there are concerns about just how much prices will rise for everyday things like food, clothing, toys and appliances."I think that for consumers, they can expect to see these tariff effects, frankly, everywhere. We buy a lot of goods and services from abroad," said Abigail Hall Blanco, an associate professor of economics.
Trump Tariffs Will Be ‘Economically Detrimental’ to US Despite Him ‘Window Dressing’ Them To Aid the Country’s Deficit
The Mirror
Debadrita Sur
April 2, 2025
President Trump’s reasoning that tariffs are a revenue-generating mechanism was true at one point in U.S. history. However, Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, said that the economic, social and political landscapes have shifted, which no longer makes it a “viable option” to the national debt problem. She added that the problem lies in government spending, and tariffs will not help cover the deficit.
Tax Experts Share Tips, Important Information Ahead of Tax Filing Deadline
ABC Action News
Larissa Scott
April 2, 2025
During this year’s tax season, Associate Professor of Accounting Christian Plesner Rossing advises people to consider filing electrionally instead of on paper because of potential government changes: “If you’re a paper filer, you don’t want to have your tax return getting stuck somewhere because the person that usually picks it up is not there anymore.
Donald Trump Warned Americans May ‘Absolutely Abandon’ His Liberation Day ‘Hand Grenade’
The Mirror
Debadrita Sur
April 2, 2025
Ahead of President Trump’s announcements of international tariffs, financial experts are sharing their insight on the topic, one of them being Associate Professor of Economics Abigail Hall Blanco. Blanco told Mirror US, “Economically speaking, the only silver lining that I could possibly think of for all of the tariff policy that has been implemented in the last two months is thatmaybe people will realize how absolutely terrible tariffs are, and then really press their elected officials to just absolutely abandon this economic hand grenade that we seem to be trying really, really hard to be holding in our hands when it explodes.”
UTampa President Outlines Goals To Boost Impact, Reputation and Endowment
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Breanne Williams
April 1, 2025
During her inauguration ceremony on March 31, President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg outlined three goals she intends to prioritize for the University. She stated she intends to focus on increasing UTampa’s impact on students and the community, elevating its reputation throughout the country and growing the university’s endowment.
UTampa Students Play Wheelchair Basketball To Learn About Importance of Adaptive Sports
FOX 13
Jordan Bowen
March 31, 2025
University of Tampa physical educationstudentsgot to see theHillsborough County'swheelchair basketball team in action as part of their class. “The class is part ofhealthscience, human performance. You have a lot of undergraduate students in this course that are studying physical therapy, occupational therapy, allied health and exercise science,” said Jason Rabe, visiting assistant professor of health sciences and human performance. “This course is teaching them how to create activities to work with people that have unique needs.” Samantha DiMiceli, the president of the Unified Special Olympics at UTampa, hopes Monday's lesson is just the beginning of seeing more adaptive sports on campus: “Our main mission is inclusion for all, and all includes any disability, any ability. Anyone can play and do whatever they want.”
University of Tampa Welcomes in New President
10 Tampa Bay
March 31, 2025
University of Tampa has officially sworn in its 11th president, Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, in an inauguration ceremony followed by a day of celebratory events.
A similar story appeared on FOX 13, WFLA and ABC Action News.
The Wake Up Call
WRHU (Long Island, NY)
March 31, 2025
Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, joins Hoestra University’s morning radio show to discuss her book The Economics of War and weighs in on modern U.S. defense policy.
A Resurgence of Faith Among Men Is Changing the Religious Gender Gap
Deseret News (Salt Lake City)
Mariya Manzhos
March 29, 2025
Men have turned to traditional churches recently, in part because these institutions affirm more conventional roles and a traditional vision of masculinity. “A lot of men today feel marginalized, they feel emasculated, they feel like they have lost power,” said Ryan Cragun, professor of sociology.
The Great Awakening
Deseret News (Salt Lake City)
Mariya Manzhos
March 27, 2025
After years of statistics showing a decline in organized religion in the U.S., some studies show that younger generations are becoming more open to faith, although they are finding nuanced ways to talk about it. People are “toying with new ways of wrestling with the language surrounding these spiritual beliefs,” said Ryan Cragun, professor of sociology.
University of Tampa’s Bell Tower Featured in Documentary at Gasparilla Film Fest
ABC Action News
Erik Waxler
March 25, 2025
The documentary about the Ars Sonora, titled The Art of Sound, was showcased at Tampa’s Gasparilla International Film Festival. The documentary also includes Joshua Cessna, Ars Sonora curator and staff accompanist, composing music for the one-of-a-kind instrument. “It’s so special, I think, to have an instrument like this in the center of our campus to bring everybody together and to have that one thing in common,” Cessna said in the film.
University of Tampa Buys Prime Site Near Oxford Exchange
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
March 24, 2025
University of Tampahas purchased land near Oxford Exchange, but has not yet disclosed what they plan to build there. “We have not finalized or announced plans for the property,” Eric Cárdenas, assistant vice president for communications and public affairs, told the Business Journal.
The U.S. Has a Long, Ugly History of Alcohol-Related Tariff Fights. They Don’t End Well.
Wine Enthusiast
Kate Dingwall
March 21, 2025
When President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products, E.U. officials fought back, declaring a 50% excise on American whiskey and other products. Reacting to the reaction, Trump’s team proposed a 200% levy on European wine and other spirits. “There are lots of examples of alcohol tariffs in American history,” saysAbigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics. “Even the U.S. Tariff Act of 1789 included a tax on imported alcohol, among other goods.”
Swapping Champions League Dreams for the American Dream
BBC
Alex Hoad
March 21, 2025
Senior soccer player Alex Hare played in a junior professional league in England as a teenager before opting to play for universities in the U.S. “The America route seemed great because I get a degree, and I can set my future up in a better way off the pitch. It's still full-time football for four years — a lot of lads who end up dropping into non-league don't get that — and I get the experience of living and going to university in America,” said Hare. “I felt it would be a better move for me and my life and it has been, I'm very glad I did it.”
Historians Examine JFK Files Rekindling Speculation of Tampa Connection
10 Tampa Bay
Eric Glasser
March 19, 2025
Journalists and historians are delving into thousands ofnewly declassified documentsrelated to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.Among the revelations, some suggest there’s a chance of a possible connection to Tampa, where Kennedy visited just four days before his death in Dallas. While historians continue to analyze the files for new insights, it remains uncertain whether Tampa will feature prominently in the findings. For locals like Soultan El-Ajou, sophomore biochemistry major at UTampa, the revelations offer a chance to better understand history.Reflecting near the JFK memorial at the entrance to the UTampa campus, El-Ajou remarked, “You’ve got to learn what happened…our generation knows more about it than boomers do now.”
Regime Uncertainty: Another Substantial Cost of Tariffs
RealClear Markets
Abigail Hall Blanco
March 17, 2025
Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, uses her professional expertise to break down the many implications of the newly imposed tariffs and the uncertainty that comes with them.
Jacob Hamlin Obliterates Another Division II Record With 14:51.81 1650 Free in Indianapolis
SwimSwam
Sean Griffin
March 15, 2025
Sophomore swimmer Jacob Hamlin broke his third NCAA DII record in one week at the 2025 NCAA Championships. His winning performance also represents a sweep of his events at this competition, meaning he’s gone 4-for-4 over the weekend.
UTampa Club Hockey Team Wins First National Title
Yahoo! Sports
Sean Barie
March 14, 2025
For the first time in program history, the UTampa men's ice hockey team won the Amateur Athletic Union Div. I National Championship. The team went 5-0-0 at the tournament at Community First Igloo in Jacksonville, defeating Farmingdale State College 5-2 in the championship, and before that defeating Auburn University (AL),Fairfield University (CT), St. Bonaventure University (NY) and the University at Buffalo (NY).
Steak ’n Shake Was Struggling. It Turned To Beef Tallow — And MAGA.
The Washington Post
Daniel Wu
March 13, 2025
Amid struggling finances, Steak ’n Shake announced its plan to substitute usual cooking oils with beef tallow to improve food quality and align with health official Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s suggestions. Mark Lang, associate professor of marketing, believes positioning Steak ’n Shake so closely to Kennedy, who has courted some of the most controversy out of those in Trump’s administration, runs the risk of staking the brand too far on the fringe of political opinion. “I’m surprised that in order to gain some new customers and sales, you would alienate an equal number of customers on the other side,” he said.
New CPI Report Shows Inflation Cooled More Than Expected
ABC Action News
Larissa Scott
March 13, 2025
The Consumer Price Index, which measures price changes across commonly purchased goods and services, showed a cooling of inflation to 2.8% compared to 3% the month prior. “The inflation numbers actually came back pretty good this month… This probably means that the Federal Reserve is going to hold interest rates steady next month,” said Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics. He and other experts said inflation eased a little more than they expected.
Over Half of Americans Who Don’t Own a Home Fear They Never Will—but They’re Wrong
Realtor.com
Julie Taylor
March 11, 2025
People across various generations share the same sense of pessimism about homeownership. “The cliche thing to say is that younger generations can't afford homes because we've spent too much of our income on avocado toast,”Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics. “Idobelieve homeownership is feasible for younger generations — but it may look different than it did for our parents.”
Cracks Are Emerging in the Idea of America’s Economic Exceptionalism
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
March 11, 2025
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, points out the flaws of the U.S. economy in its current state, despite earlier sentiments that the U.S. was outperforming countries of similar standing.
Free Art Shows in Largo Feature Dazzling Local Stars Sam Modder and Iboms
ABC Action News
Sean Daly
March 5, 2025
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas in Largo is running a large-scale show featuring artwork by Sam Modder, assistant professor of art and design. Her show, "Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks," is described as a fantastical storybook come to life’ a Black woman escaping to an “Other World” where anything and everything is possible.
Economists Warn Tampa Residents of Price Spikes From New Tariffs
FOX 13
Kylie Jones
March 4, 2025
Trump has stated that the tariffs he’s proposed are meant to punish Mexico, Canada and China for the flow of illegal drugs and migrants over U.S. borders."There is this idea that it's going to harm the country that it's being imposed on without harming U.S. producers or U.S.consumers. And that's just simply not the case," said Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics. Blanco says Americans could be affected by not only the retaliatory tariffs but also the U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Tampa Professors Break Down How Tariffs Will Impact Your Wallet
10 Tampa Bay
Anjelicia Bruton
March 4, 2025
Local economy experts projecttariffswill impact multiple industries and consumers, but it could take six months or longer. “It makes foreign goods more expensive with the idea that people are going to substitute or switch to buying U.S.-produced products,” saidAbigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics.
America’s Designs on Annexing Canada Have a Long History − and Record of Political Failures
The Conversation
Patrick O’Brien
March 3, 2025
Patrick O’Brien, assistant teaching professor of history, geography and legal studies and historian of early U.S.-Canadian relations, penned this piece to give context to President Trump’s desire to annex Canada. As Trump is not the first American leader to propose this plan, he notes that previous northern expansion efforts have indicated “weakness and simmering division inside the United States,” rather than power.
This story also appeared on Yahoo! News, Houston Chronicle, CT Insider, SF Gate, Big Rapids Pioneer (MI), Conroe Courier (TX), Manistee News Advocate (MI) and Shelton Herald (CT).
UTampa Launches Hybrid Master’s Program To Meet Growing Demand for Skilled HR Professionals
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Jim Molis
March 1, 2025
According to data compiled by UTampa, employment in human resources management is increasing by 7-10% annually, making it the right time to launch the University’sMaster of Science in Human Resources Management program, which starts this fall. “HR management is a growing field at all levels, from entry positions to the managerial level. There’s great demand and it’s hard to fill the pipeline with the right combination of hard and soft skills,” said Susan Steiner, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship.
Will Florida’s DOGE Plans Lead To Savings? Economists Aren’t Sold
Newsweek
Ewan Palmer
Feb. 27, 2025
Florida GovernorRon DeSantis' recently announced state-level Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force has been met with skepticism by economists. Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, said there is a “certain irony” in DeSantis ordering the “creation of a government bureaucracy to try and cut government bureaucracy.” She added, “This order scores obvious political points, but the economic score will be determined later.”
This story also appeared on BellingHam Herald (WA), Miami Herald, Rock Hill Herald (SC), Wichita Eagle (KS), The Olympian (WA), Mahoning Matters (OH) and Myrtle Beach Sun News (SC).
Push To Allow Guns on College Campuses
WFLA
Feb. 20, 2025
Florida senators have filed a bill that would allow concealed weapons, including guns, on college campuses. Two UTampa students were asked for their opinions on the idea, with one student saying they “would definitely be scared, especially with all of the school shootings going on,” while another student said they “would feel okay with it if it was definitely an extensive process, and not just something you could go and grab in a day’s notice.”
Is the Trump Administration Fighting the Wrong Economic Battle?
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
Feb. 19, 2025
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, breaks down the longtime debate of how rapid technological evolution has polarized the job market and displaced many middle class workers, and how new policies and advances could exacerbate the issue.
How Trump’s Mass Deportations Could Lower the Social Security Trust Funds
U.S. News & World Report
Maryalene LaPonsie
Feb. 18, 2025
President Trump’s executive order mandating the deportation of undocumented immigrants could lead to unintended financial consequences. Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, asserts that the immigration system needs to be fixed to make it easier on immigrants to become citizens. “There is no reason why these people should not be allowed to live and work here in the U.S. Most undocumented immigrants live and work in the U.S. and have normal lives like everyone else,” said Coon.
Area Coaches Say Women’s Hoops in ‘A Great Place’ as Final Four Looms
Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
Feb. 14, 2024
Women’s professional basketball is the most popular it’s been in 25 years. “Gosh, I think we couldn’t be in a better place right now,” longtime University of Tampa women’s head coach Tom Jessee said. “I think the game has really taken on a lot of eyes. It’s a great time to be in women’s basketball.”
Best Capital One Credit Cards
WalletHub
John Kiernan
Feb. 13, 2025
WalletHub asked Jennifer Burton, associate professor of marketing, for her expert opinion on Capital One. Burton spoke on Capital One’s marketing strategies, how they are able to offer cards to all credit levels, and which credit card benefits consumers prefer.
Changes in Inflation by City
WalletHub
Adam McCann
Feb. 12, 2025
Patrick Luce, part-time economics faculty, provided his expert insight on inflation to WalletHub. Luce was asked what the main factors driving inflation are, what can be done to slow it down, and how interest rates affect inflation.
What To Make of Donald Trump’s Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum
Deutsche Welle World (Germany)
Nik Martin
Feb. 11, 2025
Many economists, however, disagree thatTrump's tariffsmark the beginning of a new “Golden Age”for the United States and reject his assertion, while signing the proclamations,that foreign exporters — not ordinary Americans—would bear the bruntof the tariffs. “The literature on thisis abundantly clear,”Abigail Hall Blanco, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa in Florida, told DW. “Tariffs mean major losses, for all parties involved.”
Dean Looking To Finish Stellar Career With Second National Title
The Enquirer Journal (Monroe, NC)
Michael Wayne O’Neill
Feb. 10, 2025
Senior swimmer Kenan Dean’s hometown newspaper recaps his most recent season, in which he won a national title, ahead of his final season at UTampa.
What is a Budget?
WalletHub
Adam McCann
Feb. 5, 2024
Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics, used his expertise to explain the benefits and downsides of personal budgeting, and shared some tips on creating and sticking to a plan.
University of Tampa Economist Shares How Trump’s Tariffs Could Impact Floridians
FOX 13
Jordan Bowen
Feb. 3, 2025
America's three biggest trading partners – Canada, Mexico and China – are now firing back afterPresident Donald Trumpannounced a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tariff on goods from China. Associate Professor of Economics Abby Hall Blanco says, “Economics teaches us that trade is remarkably beneficial and that things which limit our trading capacities make us worse off. They make us poorer.” Blanco explains it may take time before Americans feel the strain on their wallets. “So maybe when we're talking about going back to school in July or August and you're buying those school supplies for your kids or next year, when you are looking at buying toys for your kids for Christmas or Hanukkah, those things are going to be more expensive," Blanco said.
Local Reaction to Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
ABC Action News
JJ Burton
Feb. 1, 2025
Amidst the public’s reaction to the introduction of tariffs on consumer goods, Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, doesn’t “recommend that people panic.” He explains that price increases won’t be reflected for at least six months, so if the masses buy as much as they can now with the “lower prices,” it will increase prices even faster.
There’s Still a Real Threat That Inflation Makes a Comeback
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
Feb. 1, 2024
Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, reviews the trends of inflations over recent years and theorizes how President Trump’s policy agenda will affect it in the near future.
Zoe Piller’s Bay Area Birthright fulfilled at University of Tampa
Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
Jan. 31, 2024
Senior Zoe Piller felt destined for Tampa after being born during the 2003 Superbowl game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored their first Superbowl win. Now, she is the top scorer and rebounder on UTampa’s basketball team. “She’s the strongest kid. She could be an Olympic weightlifter maybe,” head coach Tom Jessee said. “I mean, when she posts up and seals you, you’re not moving her. And she’s very, very nimble for her size; she’s got good quickness. She can put the ball on the deck, go around you. She’s not just a power player, although that is her strength.”
UTampa Baseball Begins Title Defense with Retooled Line-up
ABC Action News
Kyle Burger
Jan. 29, 2024
UTampa’s baseball program is coming off a ninth Division-II National Championship season in 2024. “All year, it's championship or bust around here,” head coach Joe Urso said. “That’s what we signed up for and we are very happy with that.” “We’re here to win championships,” starting pitcher Skyler Gonzalez added. “This club has a lot of history.A lot of national titles, a great head coach.” Urso was busy this offseason assembling a squad to compete for a tenth title this season after many standout players graduated last year.
UTampa President Trains with ROTC
WFLA
Jan. 29, 2025
President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg took part in ROTC personal training workouts. Dahlberg completed battalion runs and the “Spartan Circuit,” which includes deadlifts, kettle bell swings, push-ups and a buddy team sled drag.
Longtime University of Tampa Athletics Director To Retire
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Breanne Williams
Jan. 28, 2025
Larry Marfise, UTampa’s athletic director for the last 26 years, has announced his retirement, effective in November. “I cannot overstate the profound impact Larry has had on UTampa’s co-curricular experience and on the hundreds of student-athletes who have competed on our fields and courts,” said President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg. His legacy at the University includes creating gender equity plans, increasing athletics fundraising, improving athletic facilities on campus, creating new teams for the university and leading the charge on ensuring Spartan athlete GPAs were at or above UTampa’s overall student GPAs.
Best Online Loans
WalletHub
John Kiernan
Jan. 28, 2025
Sridhar Gogineni, associate professor of finance, was tapped as an expert to give insight on the best online loans.
Power 100: Tampa Bay’s Most Influential Business Leaders of 2025 Named
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Pam Huff
Jan. 27, 2025
President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg was named to Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100, which celebrates Tampa’s most influential business leaders who significantly impact the community. Former president Ronald Vaughn was previously named to the list, and is now labeled as a “2024 Legend.”
Best & Worst States To Start a Business
WalletHub
Adam McCann
Jan. 20, 2025
Bert Seither, manager of operations for the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, was tapped as an expert to give insight on the best and worst states to start a business.
The Strong Dollar Conundrum Facing the Trump Administration
The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
Jan. 19, 2025
In this opinion piece, Associate Professor of Economics Vivekanand Jayakumar says that economists predicted the dollar to weaken in 2024, but that is rose sharply instead. Now, with President Trump sown in and planning to implement trade tariifs and restrictive immigration policies, both of which are likely to be inflationary, signal a further strengthening of the dollar.
Massive New Trump Tariffs Are Looming. Here’s How These Import ‘Taxes’ Work and Who Pays for Them
Bankrate
Sarah Foster
Jan. 16, 2025
One of President Trump’s main campaign promises was to create a “universal baseline tariff,” believing that it will bring jobs back to communities hurt by globalization and increase government revenue. But economists, including Associate Professor Michael Coon, say that tariffs aren’t a reliable tool for either of those objectives. “One of the few things that most economists unanimously agree on is trade is good,” said Coon. “If you implement a world that’s super protectionist by putting in a lot of tariffs, it’s going to raise prices on consumers and effectively make everybody poorer.”
ҹɫProfessor Reveals Worst Thing You Can Say to a Cancer Patient
Bay News 9
Jeff Butera
Jan. 5, 2025
Colter Ray, assistant professor of communication, has studied how people communicate with cancer patients for more than a decade. When talking to patients ages 18-39, two-thirds of the population had experienced a lack of support from a friend or loved one they expected to hear from. “The most common thing is, ‘I don’t think what to say’ or ‘I’m afraid I’m going to say the wrong thing.’” Ray said. While there are unhelpful things that people can say to a patient, the worst thing is nothing at all.
Does a Lack of Faith Lead To Suicide? One Study Says Yes. Scholars of Secularism Say No.
Religion News Service
Bob Smietana
Jan. 3, 2025
A recent academic paper drew on crime-tracking data on college campus and religious affiliation surveys to show that states with higher percentages of so-called “nones” — people who claim no religious affiliation in surveys — have higher rates of sexual assault on campus as well as higher suicide rates overall.Ryan Cragun, sociology professor at UTampa, reviewed the paper and said that while it does show a correlation, the paper’s author fails to prove that disbelief causes those higher rates. Cragun also said the paper ignores other data, such as that showing that states with higher murder rates are correlated to higher per-capita populations of evangelicals. “If I were to use his logic, then I should be able to argue that evangelicals are more likely to kill people,” said Cragun.
