







On Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, city residents and university members across Gainesville commemorated what happened on 9/11, 20 years ago. UF Young Americans for Freedom planted 2,977 flags in the ground to represent the lives lost. About 50 people gathered at Reserve Park to share stories about how 9/11 impacted them. Collegiate Veterans Society members, firefighters and friends met at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to climb the steps to honor those who climbed the tower stairs and saved thousands of lives.
Esha is currently a second year Psychology student at the University of Florida. In the past, she worked as the Chief Editor at Delhi Public School, Bangalore North. In her free time, Esha loves to read and play video games.
Alan Halaly is a third-year journalism major and the Spring 2023 Editor-in-Chief of The Alligator. He's previously served as Engagement Managing Editor, Metro Editor and Photo Editor. Alan has also held internships with the Miami New Times and The Daily Beast, and spent his first two semesters in college on The Alligator’s Metro desk covering city and county affairs.

Lauren is a third year photojournalism student pursuing a minor in Spanish. She has shot photos for Fresh Take Florida and the Gainesville Sun. Lauren likes roller skating in her free time.
DJ duo Chainsmokers performs at SwampFest
Apr. 15The Chainsmokers headlined SwampFest at Flavet Field April 14, with DJ opener Riordan. The iconic duo mixed in new material with hits like “Paris” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” also remixing classics like “Teenage Dirtbag” and “Seven Nation Army.”
GALLERY: Thousands attend the first No Kings protest of the year
Mar. 29About 2,000 people gathered at Gainesville’s Cora Roberson Park on Saturday to protest the Trump administration. The protest was part of No Kings demonstrations planned across the country — the third since the series began June 14, 2025, and the first of this year.
UF’s Lettuce Club holds its first eating competition
Mar. 10A crowd of around 40 people gathered by a bench to watch 20 members of UF’s Lettuce Club compete in a lettuce eating competition Feb. 19. Many watched with their own pieces of lettuce in hand, and some even gripped personal bottles of dressing to complement the leafy greens.




