COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Johnny Nguyen, an artist, is seen at the How Bazar’s Art Walk at First Magnitude Brewing Company on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

The Avenue

UF artist finds a home in Gainesville’s local markets and school club

By Gracey Davis | May 22, 2023

Johnny Nguyen found he enjoyed the comfort of a pencil in his hand from an early age while growing up in Urbana, Illinois. Now a recent graduate from UF in business management and economics, the 21-year-old artist still loves to work with his hands. Most of his paintings were studies of different artists, but lately, he’s been inspired by Franklin Booth’s illustrations and Studio Ghibli films because of the attention to detail and whimsical nature.

Nathaniel Chan, a city planner, is seen at his office at the Thomas Center on Friday, May 19, 2023.

Metro

Nathaniel Chan: City planning for a more inclusive community

By Jacob Sedesse | May 22, 2023

Nathaniel Chan, 24, is a gay, Chinese American dedicated to using city planning to serve the community he loves. While his determination got him a position with the city, his path there was not always clear.

Opinion

We want a seat at the table

By Jackson Reyes | May 22, 2023

At first glance, most people I’ve met don’t realize I’m an Asian American, which led to my desire to embrace my Filipino identity. It pushed me to learn more about that side of my heritage. It was something I was proud to represent in my accomplishments, such as graduating high school and attending UF.

Opinion

Representation matters

By Joe Newman | May 22, 2023

Representation matters. Having two top editors of Asian descent for the first time in The Alligator’s 117-year history matters. Their voices, their perspectives and life experiences matter – not only for their newsroom but for the UF community.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a political roundtable, Friday, May 19, 2023, in Bedford, N.H. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Metro

‘Unsettling’: Asian American locals criticize Florida bills targeting China

By Amanda Friedman and Jacob Sedesse | May 22, 2023

Han Yi, who immigrated to the U.S. from China, feels betrayed by the state she’s called home for roughly 10 years due to a bill restricting Chinese citizens from purchasing real estate in Florida. Yi, the vice principal of the HuaGen Chinese School in Gainesville, is one among the many frustrated Asian American and Pacific Islander locals speaking out against three bills signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at limiting the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on the state.

Kate Yeung and Bradon Ramirez, owners of Coterie Market, prepare their new iced superfood latte at Working Food Community Kitchen on Saturday, May 20th, 2023.

Metro

Asian American-owned Coterie Market turns pop-up into brick-and-mortar store

May 22, 2023

While attending local farmers markets, Kate Yeung noticed the lack of representation of Asian American business owners among the vendors. The 23-year-old Gainesville resident left her 9-to-5 banker job to start her own business, Coterie Market, empowered by her family’s experience owning businesses in Hong Kong and Singapore.

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term during an inauguration ceremony outside the Old Capitol on Jan. 3, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

University

UF community condemns bill defunding DEI initiatives

By Nicole Beltran | May 22, 2023

Some UF students are condemning a state bill that limits Florida’s colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Opinion

It’s about time

By Jiselle Lee | May 22, 2023

Despite the enormous efforts the community has made to establish its presence, The Alligator has lacked consistent coverage of AAPI people in the Gainesville community. Admittedly, this is the result of an inconsistent amount of AAPI reporters on our staff from semester to semester.

University

UF Asian American Pacific Islander students connect with their cultures on campus

By Nicole Beltran | May 22, 2023

AAPI month serves as a reminder for the students looking to learn more about their heritages, students who haven't had the experience to learn from home.

Florida softball huddles up during the Gators' 8-7 win over Georgia Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Sports

Gators end season in NCAA Regional loss to Stanford

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | May 21, 2023

The No. 20 Florida Gators (38-22, 11-13 SEC) lost to the No. 6 Stanford Cardinal (43-13, 14-10 PAC 12) 11-2 in the sixth game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals in Palo Alto, California, Sunday.

Sophomore Katie Kistler at-bat during a matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers (March 26, 2022). Kistler delivered four RBIs on Friday.

Sports

Florida wins fifth game of the NCAA Regionals against Loyola Marymount

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | May 21, 2023

The No. 20 Florida Gators (38-21, 11-13 SEC) defeated the Loyola Marymount Lions (28-22, 12-3 WCC) 10-6 in the fifth game of the NCAA Regionals in Palo Alto, California Saturday.

Florida graduate student right-handed pitcher Elizabeth Hightower pitches during the Gators' 13-4 victory against the Georgia Bulldogs Friday, April 14, 2023.

Sports

Gators drop third game of NCAA Regionals in run-rule loss to Stanford

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | May 20, 2023

The No. 20 Florida Gators (37-21, 11-13 SEC) were shut out by the No. 6 Stanford Cardinal (42-13, 14-10 PAC-12) 8-0 in the third game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals in Palo Alto, California Saturday. Stanford’s freshman pitcher NiJarre Canady let up only two hits to Florida throughout the entire game.

Florida sophomore two-way player Jac Caglianone celebrates with his teammates during the Gators' 10-0 win against Vanderbilt Friday, May 12, 2023.

Sports

Florida touts strong outing from Caglianone, wins regular season finale

By Luke Adragna | May 20, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (42-13, 20-10 SEC) defeated the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (36-17, 16-14 SEC) 5-2 Saturday at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Brandon Sproat pitching against Miami Feb. 21, 2021. Courtesy of the SEC Media Portal. Sproat will start on the mound for Florida's first-round matchup with Central Michigan.

Sports

Florida unable to clinch series against Kentucky

By Luke Adragna | May 19, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (41-13, 19-10 SEC) were defeated by the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (36-16, 16-13 SEC) 6-4 Friday evening at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The Gators mustered only five hits to Kentucky’s pitching staff which was able to strike out Florida fourteen times.

Florida graduate student utility player Pal Egan swings in the Gators' 8-7 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Sports

Florida walks off first game of NCAA Regionals

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | May 19, 2023

The No. 20 Florida Gators (37-20, 11-13 SEC) defeated the Loyola Marymount Lions (40-14, 12-3 WCC) 3-2 in the first game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals in Palo Alto, California Friday.

Metro

Gainesville man arrested on a dozen child pornography charges

By Gabriel Velasquez Neira | May 19, 2023

A Gainesville man was taken into custody May 17 on charges of 11 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford hits the ball in the Gators' 10-4 win over the Miami Hurricanes March 3, 2023.

Sports

Florida bats break out against Kentucky in series opener

By Luke Adragna | May 18, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (41-12, 19-9 SEC) defeated the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (35-16, 15-13 SEC) 10-3 Thursday at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Florida’s offense was headlined by Langford and Kurland who earned three hits and runs each.

Redshirt sophomore Fred Biondi stares down a hole while practicing at Mark Bostick Golf Course. Biondi led the Gators at Vanderbilt, finishing 15th individually.

Sports

Florida mounts comeback at NCAA regional to advance to National Championship

By Madilyn Destefano | May 17, 2023

The Florida men’s golf team scored 12-under-par at the NCAA regional tournament to make the top-five cut. After a fourth place finish, the Gators will advance to the National Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship.

University

DeSantis signs bill to defund DEI initiatives at Florida universities

By Nicole Beltran | May 15, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Monday that limits the state’s colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Florida's Claire Bryant competes in the high jump during the Pepsi Florida Relays on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. The women's team won the SEC Outdoor Championship Saturday, June 11, 2022. / UAA Communications photo by Tiffany Franco

Sports

Gators take home 15 medals at SEC Outdoor Championships

By Hailey Hurst | May 15, 2023

The Florida Gators men’s and women’s track and field teams earned fourteen new personal bests and fifteen medals — seven golds, two silvers and six bronze. Both teams finished sixth and second respectively at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships May 11-13.