Lough and Gibson Ardoline live their days as social media influencers on the UF campus, bringing their following along with them. With hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram, they face criticism and support, saying there are misconceptions about content creation.
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, both deadly, left widespread damage across Florida’s Gulf Coast. While Gainesville remained mostly unscathed, the eastern part of the city still struggled to receive aid and prepare for the worst.
One important and often confusing part of this year’s election cycle is the six constitutional amendments that voters can decide on which require 60% voter approval to pass into law. If approved, these amendments would become a permanent part of Florida’s state constitution and could not be bypassed by any act of legislation. Despite being non-partisan amendments, voters across Florida stand divided on each issue.
As coastal residents flee the threat of storms and rising seas, inland areas like North Central Florida prepare for a possible influx of these environmental refugees, otherwise known as climate migrants.
The short-lived reprieve from Hurricane Helene came to a sudden stop when Milton swept through Alachua County. The hurricane ended hopes for a return to normalcy, forcing students and locals into a second scramble before the approaching storm.
Oct. 7 marked the final day for new voter registrations in Florida for the Nov. 5 general election. Registration organizations sought to reach Gen Z, the youngest voting bloc, which has traditionally had low voter turnout.
The Israel-Gaza conflict has been a source of controversy for several decades but was most notably amplified after Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel. The attack killed 1,200, mostly civilians, with 250 taken as hostages to the Gaza strip.
Amendment 3, appearing on the general election ballot in November, would allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products recreationally. In Alachua County, stakeholders have concerns over the potential impacts if the amendment gains citizen approval.
Despite the fervent pleas of springs advocates, Tatum said he knew the state still wasn’t listening.
Less than 9% of cisgender female UF students reported feeling very safe walking on campus at night. Yet despite concerns, UF outsourced a private company to manage Title IX reports, stopped using two campus-wide violence prevention programs, and renamed and moved its gender equity office, all in the past two years.
Streetlight hosted its second annual Strides for Sickle Cell Walk Sept. 21. With more than 300 people in attendance, the event raised over $4,000 to spread awareness for sickle cell disease.
For many undocumented immigrants, fighting the stigma of being undocumented while finding adequate resources can be a difficult process. The Keeping Families Together program could create a pathway to make it easier for undocumented individuals to stay in the U.S.
The draft would improve a wide range of city functions under the separate tracks of climate mitigation and adaptation. Its 10 chapters included existing issues of transportation, energy, waste and water in addition to the future threat of extreme heat, food insecurity and limited resources.
Mientras el programa migratorio Keeping Families Together está en cuestión, organizaciones se juntan para ayudar a los inmigrantes.
Before Emhoff spoke, leaders across the state spoke on behalf of the Harris campaign. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, D-Gainesville, expressed concerns to the crowd over Project 2025 and a potential second Trump term. Hayes Hinson emphasized that social security and Medicare, two issues important to the older residents of The Villages, would be threatened under Project 2025.
The county began negotiations with Jacksonville-based Sunshine Organics & Compost June 11 to lay the groundwork for a local compost program, a pointed effort toward the joint city and county Zero Waste Strategic Plan. While the project could solve the county’s organic waste problem, the company and its co-owner come attached to a checkered past of inspection violations, debt and theft.
From border concerns to “the opportunity economy,” both Trump and Harris did not shy away from tough topics on the Philadelphia stage. In a 90-minute period, both candidates were tasked with presenting their own policy points while also defending themselves from opposing attacks.
Without courtesy buses, some elementary school students inside of the two-mile radius have to walk across dangerous roads or rely on neighbors for transportation to school.
Thousands of people across Florida are facing disruptions in health coverage after UF Health and UnitedHealthcare failed to solve months-long contract negotiations. Patients with Medicaid and employer-sponsored commercial plans are now out-of-network at UF Health locations statewide. Medicare holders are not affected except at UF Health Flagler Hospital.
Amendment 4 will appear on the general election ballot in November, which would undo Florida's current six-week abortion ban. In Alachua County, voters stand divided on the future of the state's abortion policy.
Solutions by The State News
