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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

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UF wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland runs with the ball after a catch during Florida's 26-10 win against Tennessee on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Opinion

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium doesn’t have to be just for football

It’s a beautiful April day. Beams of sunlight hit the tops of the shimmering bleachers surrounding me. A cool breeze comes through Ben Hill Griffin Stadium every few minutes, just long enough for me to appreciate the fresh air. As a student at UF, this is one of the many unique luxuries I am granted in return for the tuition check I slide over to the Bursar’s Office each semester. The stadium, known to the masses as The Swamp, is one of the most famous landmarks to grace our campus because of its notoriety in college football. However, many students only use it for its main purpose: attending UF’s nationally renowned football games. If you’re one of those Gators, I’m here to give you a wake-up call.


Opinion

World Health Day and what it promotes

Since 1948, April 7 has been celebrated as National World Health Day. This day is a celebration of the implementation of the constitution of the World Health Organization. It was adopted during an International Health Conference in New York, held on June 1946 and later signed by 61 States on July 22, 1946. The constitution, which can be read on the organization’s website, was implemented on April 7, 1948.


Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican trap artist, shows off his painted nails on his Instagram. 
Opinion

My painted nails shouldn’t be up for discussion

The fickle thing I’ve learned about nail polish is that its drip is incredibly difficult to account for. No matter the layer, I can always expect the slightest spillover onto my cuticles or fingertips. It doesn’t bother me, but instead it encourages me to keep a steadier hand. Luckily, there’s no second glances or mention of my nail color as more people are accepting of different methods of expression. I’ve run into other masculine-presenting people who wear nail polish, earrings and makeup with eyeshadow and eyeliner. I would dare to say this is not a new trend among LGBTQ+ circles. However, the broadening of gender expression through small things, like nail polish, can still be a big change for others.


Photo by Gabriel Gurrola on Unsplash
Opinion

Individuals can’t save the environment, it’s a group effort

Plastic is bad for the environment. This has been common knowledge for years. What is controversial, however, is demanding that everyone turn vegan and ditch single-use plastic. People fail to recognize that most of the earth’s pollution stems from major corporations rather than individuals. Also, expecting everyone to stop using straws fails to acknowledge the unintended consequences, which could be catastrophic for certain groups. Certainly, if you’re able to, do what you can to help the environment. Ditch the straws or get reusable ones, ask for paper bags the next time you go grocery shopping and reduce the amount of meat you consume, but don’t expect everyone to do the same. We first must hold corporations accountable for their actions, which affect the environment differently.


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