2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

'If Americans want to live the American dream, they should go to Denmark'

Feb. 23, 2017

A significant part of every American’s upbringing is the instillation of American values and norms. Ambition, self-efficacy, confidence, individualism and a work-horse attitude are all traits taught in classrooms. We are a culture centered about the individual, each one of us acting as the captain for our own life, told since kindergarten that we could do whatever we set our minds to. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Hidden underneath all of our lessons was a separate curriculum set by culture and society, a curriculum with no assignments or progress reports, but instead a prep course for the long and daunting stretch ahead.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We must fight sex trade in the Sunshine State

Feb. 23, 2017

It’s tempting to dismiss human trafficking as the shooting star of the criminal underworld — a series of one-off stories that evince a problem afflicting only a handful of the unluckiest people, inevitable tragedies like Ariel Castro’s decadelong capture of three young women. But the reality is that human trafficking is a global, multibillion dollar industry with branches that twist and burrow in our own communities, around our own friends, siblings and children.

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels - February 24, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

Now that we’re at the end of Student Government election week, let’s get together and reflect on other important events. And if you’re going, “Election? That happened?” you’re not alone, so we will take this time to gather ‘round a metaphorical camp re and catch up on what’s been happening, locally and nationally, in this week’s edition of...

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Full results: Spring 2017 Student Government Election

Feb. 22, 2017

President/ Vice President

UF senior Mollie Stevens fights off a North Carolina player during Florida's 13-10 loss to the Tar Heels on Feb. 11, 2017, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Ahead of USC, Florida lacrosse team looking to make adjustments

By Jake Dreilinger | Feb. 22, 2017

No. 4 Florida’s biggest issues during its loss to No. 1 North Carolina on Feb. 11 was its inability to win most of the draw controls.

Florida's Caeleb Dressel reacts after winning the 100-yard freestyle at the NCAA men's swimming and diving championships Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Atlanta. The initials on his face are in honor of a former teacher. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Gators ‘battle hardened’ after conference championship

By Sean Denison | Feb. 22, 2017

After winning its fifth-straight SEC title, No. 6 Florida is using the experience from its conference championship to get ready for the NCAA Championships, which start March 22 in Indianapolis.

Coach Kevin O'Sullivan and the Gators dropped their first home game since March 23 in an 8-4 loss against Jacksonville Tuesday night. “We’ve gotta clean up some mistakes,” O'Sullivan said.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Column: Dear Florida baseball fans: R-E-L-A-X

By Patrick Pinak | Feb. 22, 2017

It’s OK to freak out a little bit.

UF forward Ronni Williams dribbles the ball during Florida's 102-51 win over Southeastern Louisiana on Dec. 28, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

'It's bittersweet': Senior forward coping as career winds down

By Dylan Dixon | Feb. 22, 2017

With one week remaining in the regular-season schedule and the SEC Tournament looming, it’s finally starting to sink in for Ronni Williams that her, four-year journey at Florida is coming to an end.

METRO

Search to continue Friday for teenage airplane passenger

By Molly Vossler | Feb. 22, 2017

The search for a 17-year-old boy off the coast of Cedar Key will continue Friday, as Levy County officials look for the remaining passenger of a single-engine airplane that went missing more than a week ago.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Accused bank thief attempts jail break, deputies say

By Meryl Kornfield | Feb. 22, 2017

About seven months into his stay at the Alachua County Jail, an alleged bank thief was caught Tuesday plotting an escape, the sheriff’s office said.

The sign for Walker Hall, which houses the African American Studies department and the Center for Jewish Studies, was found uprooted Wednesday.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Walker Hall sign found uprooted, raises concerns of safety

By Romy Ellenbogen | Feb. 22, 2017

When Sharon Burney saw her ofﬁce building’s sign uprooted Wednesday, she knew it wasn’t an accident. Around 8:30 a.m., the program assistant

METRO

Two protestors lodge themselves into Sabal Trail pipeline

By Meryl Kornfield | Feb. 22, 2017

Two protesters climbed into the 3-foot-wide entrance of the Sabal Trail pipeline early Wednesday morning, remaining for about six hours.

The Impact Party walks to the Reitz Union Breezeway on Feb. 22, 2017, chanting “I-M-P-A-C-T. Impact is for you and me.” The Impact Party won 48 seats in the Spring 2017 election.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Online voting fails, Impact sweeps executive ticket, Senate

By Paige Fry | Feb. 22, 2017

All 11 proposed amendments failed to pass during the Student Government elections Wednesday night as Impact Party claimed the executive ticket and all but two Senate seats.

NEWS | SFC

Free HIV testing to continue at Santa Fe

By Max Chesnes | Feb. 22, 2017

When Jordan Chediak heard there would be free HIV testing at Santa Fe College, he didn’t hesitate to stop by.

METRO

Delayed renovations at county shelter limit adoptions

By Bernadette Gomez | Feb. 22, 2017

Renovations at Alachua County Animal Services are behind schedule, which means less space for incoming animals.

OPINION | COLUMNS

When discussing politics, avoid generalizing

Feb. 22, 2017

All liberals are leeches. They’re lazy, incompetent and allergic to work.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Student Government has only itself to blame

Feb. 22, 2017

It’s fair to say that the outcome of the Student Government Spring elections were known well before it was announced.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Live recording studio, music venue to debut with festival

By Natalie Rao | Feb. 22, 2017

Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville’s newest music venue and live recording studio, is set to open this weekend with the Heartwood Music Festival, a multi-stage, all-ages event that will run from noon to 2 a.m. Saturday.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Chimera Fest celebrates Gainesville’s local art and culture

By Taylor McLamb | Feb. 22, 2017

In ancient Greek mythology, the Chimera was a powerful, fire-breathing female beast composed of parts from more than one animal. Joseph Floyd, the executive director for Active Streets Alliance, referenced the hybrid creature when describing the event it was named after.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

UF to host collegiate a cappella regional quarterfinals

By Rebecca Rubin | Feb. 22, 2017

The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella South Quarterfinal will take place in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday at 7 p.m., with the event wrapping at 11 p.m.

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