COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

News

UF student senators split on Marston Library 24/7 announcement

By Amanda Friedman | Jan. 18, 2023

Jan. 17 Senate meeting addressed an amendment that would remove gendered language from the Constitution, a resolution to recognize and promote the Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate Campaign event combatting antisemitism and a revision to the 300 Codes, which outline the rules of the legislative branch, to change Town Hall events from open to moderated forums, all passed without debate.

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)

News

DeSantis administration mandates audit of Florida universities’ gender-affirming care

By Alissa Gary | Jan. 18, 2023

A new request from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has landed at Florida universities’ doorsteps, this time concerning procedures and services dealing with gender-affirming care on campus.

From left to right, Sarah Toomey, Carina Swenson, Madison Hendrikse and Kyle Hopwood gather around a table at Marston Science Library to study Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

El Caimán

La biblioteca de ciencias Marston está de regreso las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana

By Alissa Gary , Amanda Friedman and Nicole Beltran | Jan. 18, 2023

Aunque la biblioteca solía operar en un horario de 24 horas, la pandemia de COVID-19 detuvo ese horario indefinidamente, lo que dejó a muchos estudiantes preguntándose si algún día regresaría. Newell Hall ha sido el único espacio de estudio de 24 horas para estudiantes desde el otoño de 2021.

El Caimán

Residentes de Florida opinan sobre la propuesta

By Valentina Sandoval and Claire Grunewald | Jan. 18, 2023

Kat Cammack, congresista de Florida, copatrocinó la propuesta de ley de aborto “Nacido Vivo”, la cual ha causado controversia tanto entre legisladores como entre activistas.

UF historian and task force member Carl Van Ness responds to a question from a student panel at a roundtable discussion on African American and Native American History at Smathers Library Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.

News

UF legacy of racism at forefront of task force report

By Alissa Gary | Jan. 18, 2023

A Jan. 17 panel reviewed the Presidential Task Force on African American and Native American History’s report detailing new research and recounting a more complete version of UF’s history concerning African Americans and Native Americans.

Florida Gators alternate white football helmet.

Sports

Florida 2023 4-star quarterback Jaden Rashada requests release from NLI

By Topher Adams | Jan. 18, 2023

Florida 4-star quarterback Jaden Rashada is requesting a release from his national letter of intent signed on Early Signing Day Dec. 21, according to several reports. The story was first reported by 247Sports.

News

UF reported spending $5 million, less than 1% of budget, on diversity initiatives

By Alissa Gary | Jan. 18, 2023

UF reported over $5 million in total funding for diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory initiatives — projected as approximately 0.14% of its annual budget, according to a state-mandated audit released to The Alligator Jan. 18.

Stephen "tWitch" Boss appears at the FOX 2022 Upfront presentation in New York on May 16, 2022.

The Avenue

Sudden passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss evokes celebration of his legacy

By Amanda Rubio | Jan. 18, 2023

Editor’s note: This story contains mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, dial or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Avenue

Falafel King owner Ghassan Chehab dies at 74

By Xenia Teju | Jan. 17, 2023

Chehab’s legacy transformed the food industry and the Middle Eastern community. His love for his home country, Lebanon, transpired into his work. Sharing his culture and showing pride in his roots made his business feel like a relative's kitchen, Choudar said, not a restaurant.

Iman Zawahry was president of Islam on Campus during 9/11. Now, Zawahry teaches media production, management and technology at UF’s College of Journalism and Communications.

News

UF lecturer’s film ‘Americanish’ acquired by Sony Pictures

By Amanda Friedman | Jan. 17, 2023

“Americanish,” Zawahry's directorial debut feature film, premiered in 2021 and has recently been acquired by Sony Pictures International Productions. Zawahry received the news that the deal went through in an email when she was on UF campus, she said.

Bruce Capin strokes Kuwa, one of the three cougars living in the sanctuary at his home, Monday evening after bringing her some grass to eat. Capin said he has had the sanctuary for 20 years and that he takes in cougars that were mistreated or neglected so that they can live out the rest of their lives.

News

Bruce Capin, longtime UF fencing coach, dies at 60

By Sophia Bailly | Jan. 17, 2023

Bruce Capin, UF's fencing coach, died Nov. 28 at the age of 60.

Metro

US Rep. Kat Cammack co-sponsors ‘Born Alive’ abortion bill

By Claire Grunewald | Jan. 17, 2023

Rep. Kat Cammack co-sponsored the ‘Born Alive’ abortion bill, a piece of legislation that has sparked controversy among lawmakers and activists alike.

Sports

2023 4-star QB Jaden Rashada misses registration deadline for spring semester

By Jackson Reyes | Jan. 17, 2023

Florida quarterback signee Jaden Rashada was expected to enroll early and join the Gators after the Under Armour Next All-America Game Jan. 3, Florida head coach Billy Napier said on early signing day. Come the Jan. 13 drop/add deadline, however, the No. 56 overall player still wasn’t enrolled in classes at UF.

News

UF Honors Program forms committee to seek new director

By Halima Attah | Jan. 17, 2023

The UF Honors Program has officially begun a search for the replacement of former director Mark Law, who Provost Joe Glover fired in August.

News

Marston Science Library is back at 24/7 hours

By Alissa Gary and Amanda Friedman | Jan. 17, 2023

While the library used to operate on a 24-hour schedule, the COVID-19 pandemic paused those hours indefinitely, leaving many students wondering whether they would return. Newell Hall has been the only 24-hour study space for students since Fall 2021.

The Avenue

7 local bands compete at Destination Okeechobee’s Gainesville Showcase

By Loren Miranda | Jan. 17, 2023

Several north central Florida bands will compete in a battle-of-the-bands-style concert Friday. They will be judged based on musicianship, stage presence, originality and crowd participation. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival.

Florida graduate student guard Myreon Jones drives to the basket against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.

News

Florida’s defense plays key in 3 game winning streak

By Jackson Reyes | Jan. 17, 2023

The Gators (10-7, 3-2 SEC) continue to build momentum as they head past the midway point of the season. Florida secured its first SEC win against the Georgia Bulldogs and followed it up with two more wins against Louisiana State and Missouri. Their defense has been a point of emphasis over the winning streak.

Museum attendees walk through the A. Quinn Jones Museum's 'African Americans In Gainesville' exhibit Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

Metro

‘African Americans In Gainesville’ exhibit showcases local Black history

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 17, 2023

The “African Americans In Gainesville” exhibit, which premiered Jan. 10, examines prominent civil figures in Gainesville throughout history and features historical homes from the city’s Pleasant Street and Fifth Avenue areas — historically Black neighborhoods in East Gainesville.

The Avenue

MusicGNV sponsors new radio show to highlight local Gainesville artists

By Loren Miranda | Jan. 17, 2023

The Wombat released the first episode of its newest radio show, RadioGNV, Jan. 6 to highlight past, present and future local Gainesville artists’ work and host select premieres for new music.

The Avenue

Gainesville artists reflect on AI in art

By Lauren Whiddon | Jan. 17, 2023

Artificial intelligence is a field of study that uses algorithms and data to create technology that can be used in lieu of human labor. AI has been implemented across medicine, education, social media and more. But as AI continues to advance, artists have mixed feelings about how this technological development will affect the art world.