2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | EDITORIALS

America needs to get rid of closed primaries

July 19, 2017

As we’re sure you are aware, Florida is a closed primary state. This means that in order to vote in a primary election, Florida residents must be registered with a political party. It also means in the primaries, they are only be able to vote for candidates running for a position within their registered party. In general elections, however, they are able to vote for any candidate in any party.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Savants of Soul to perform Friday night at The Atlantic

By Isabelle Resnick | July 19, 2017

Local lovers of soul have waited three months to welcome back a homegrown band to the stage — a band that arrived to the Gainesville music scene in late 2010, but whose aura, sound and je ne sais quoi is nostalgically reminiscent of 1963, even for those who consider themselves ‘90s kids.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

What to watch: ‘The Room’ by Tommy Wiseau

By Janeice Sebris | July 19, 2017

“I did not hit her. I did naht! Oh, hi Mark.”

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Former UF Theta Chi president charged with DUI on way home from Midtown

By David Hoffman | July 19, 2017

A former president of the Theta Chi Fraternity’s UF chapter was arrested early Friday morning for drunkenly driving his scooter on campus, University Police said.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

‘Old Joe’ to be taken down, relocated by Confederate group

By David Hoffman | July 19, 2017

A one-sentence letter last week was the final nail in the coffin for “Old Joe.”

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

Four rising Florida bands to perform at High Dive

By Janiece Sebris | July 19, 2017

High Dive will host four Florida-based rock bands tonight. The bands scheduled to perform are flipturn, from Fernandina Beach; Brightside, based out of Tallahassee; Colours, from Sarasota; and Gainesville’s own Arrows in Action.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Where to spend the rest of your summer in Gainesville

By Mackenzie Duffy | July 19, 2017

Even though summer is soon coming to an end, there’s still so much to do. Whether you are trying to check off items from a bucket list or just want to make a few more memories, we’ve got you covered. Here are some events throughout the rest of July (and beginning of August) to help you make the most of it.

OPINION | COLUMNS

My musings on the hypocrisy of the history of abolitionism

July 19, 2017

This week, I’d like to talk about a few historical observations I’ve noticed in one of my classes this semester. Usually, I try not to have quasi-pointless and redundant sentences like the one preceding this, but it’s the only way I can think of to introduce such a notorious topic. What I’m going to be talking about will concern slavery in U.S.

NEWS | CAMPUS

The IBC and ‘La Casita’ will remain two separate buildings, MCDA announces

By David Hoffman | July 18, 2017

After weeks of tense back and forth between students and faculty, UF’s Institute of Black Culture and Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures will remain two separate buildings.

Ingrid Neel returns the ball during Florida’s 4-2 win against Oklahoma State on Feb. 18, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS

Alligator Awards: Who was Florida’s best freshman of 2016-17?

July 17, 2017

In this edition of the Alligator Awards, we debate which UF freshman was the best of the 2016-17 season. Sports writers Mari Faiello, Andrew Huang and Morgan McMullen join alligatorSports editors Dylan Dixon and Jake Dreilinger in a roundtable discussion to debate the five nominees. Debates will go in alphabetical order by the writer’s last name.

Feleipe Franks stands under center during UF's Orange and Blue Debut on April 7, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Quarterback

By Dylan Dixon | July 17, 2017

Less than seven weeks remain until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play quarterback at Florida this year:

Marcell Harris celebrates during Florida's 38-28 loss against Tennessee on Sept. 24, 2016, at Neyland Stadium.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Gators are still DBU

By Andrew Huang | July 17, 2017

When high school defensive backs decide to attend the University of Florida, they’re actually committing to two different schools.

Tim Tebow is arguably the greatest player in UF history, but should he be judged by his former accolades forever?

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators in the MLB: Tebow hitting strong, Puk pitches in All-Star Futures Game

By Jake Dreilinger | July 17, 2017

Since his promotion to the New York Mets Class A-advanced affiliate, the St. Lucie Mets, former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has been playing well.

NEWS | CAMPUS

SG funds $2 million Reitz Union railings project

By David Hoffman | July 17, 2017

Citing student safety concerns, Student Government will pay $2 million out of its reserves to fund a railing repairs project on the Reitz Union’s exterior.

METRO | POLITICS

On CNN, Rep. Yoho deems Trump Jr.’s actions appropriate

By Sara Marino | July 17, 2017

Last week on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” Republican Rep. Ted Yoho said it was understandable that the president’s eldest child, Donald Trump Jr., met with a Russian lawyer for information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD: Man gropes woman on Bo Diddley Plaza, begins masturbating

By David Hoffman | July 17, 2017

For the second time since May, a Gainesville woman was sexually assaulted near Bo Diddley Community Plaza.

OPINION | COLUMNS

America needs limited government involvement

July 17, 2017

Health care and education are two of the most highly debated policy areas today. President Donald Trump has advocated to diminish the level of government involvement in both areas, which are currently at the highest they have ever been in U.S. history. Based on historical trends and empirical and theoretical evidence, increased government involvement in any area where it is not absolutely necessary has served only to decrease the value created by institutions. Arguments that favor greater government control and regulation run counter to objective facts.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Charlie Gard deserves to end his life out of the public eye

July 17, 2017

In recent weeks, controversy has swirled around an 11-month-old baby boy from the U.K.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Stop complaining and take control of your own future

July 17, 2017

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.” These words are ones I often hear, and while I think they are meant to be comforting, they make me kind of angry.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘The Ultimate Towing scam’

July 17, 2017

Readers beware: I feel the need to report something that happened to my family, which supposedly happens quite often at UF. It has to do with parking your car in the areas of tow-away zones, which includes most places on and surrounding UF’s campus.

COVID-19