Opinion | Columns
UF can’t fight hunger while defunding transit
By Sasha Morel | Jan. 14Despite the countless initiatives, services and even new grocery stores appearing in Gainesville, food insecurity is back on the rise as of late 2025, with local food shelters such as Deeper Purpose Community Food Ministries reporting an increase from 10 to 40 phone calls per day directed toward food assistance.
Florida is too full to function
By Alannah Peters | Jan. 14I’ve lived in Florida for my entire life. Since 2012, my family has lived in the same home on the outskirts of Orlando. Drives that once took 40 minutes now stretch into an hour or more, a result of rapid population growth and unchecked development in a state unprepared to absorb it.
Four years at The Alligator, told in diary entries
By Alissa Gary | Dec. 1To The Alligator: Thanks for giving my college years a purpose. I’m honored to be part of this paper’s legacy.
The most fun I’ve ever had was in The Alligator’s office
By Sophia Bailly | Dec. 1My time with The Independent Florida Alligator was defined by love and laughter.
Plans changed, and I reluctantly became the University Desk editor
By Maria Avlonitis | Dec. 1I swore I wouldn’t come back to The Alligator.
An uninterrupted year at the Alligator
By Sydney Johnson | Dec. 1For the longest time, I never felt I belonged at The Alligator. Though I spent every Sunday afternoon there, I was terrified of anyone knowing too much — which is ironic when you work with a group of people who want to know everything.
The Alligator isn’t perfect. But it’s home.
By Luke Adragna | Dec. 1I never thought I’d be writing a goodbye to The Alligator.
Don’t take the water out of our springs
By Marin Chester | Nov. 17As a wildlife ecology senior at UF, you’d think I visit Florida’s natural springs all the time.
When am I free to speak my mind?
By David Arreola | Nov. 17As the crisp fall air finally drops the temperatures in our beloved Swamp, we can mark the normal rites of passage.
We need to change the way we ask questions
By Elliana Boyarshinov | Nov. 16I recently came across a piece of advice online: To truly get to know someone, you should ask them about the last time they cried in public, because it reveals what they value.
College Friend: How do I get my partner to go to therapy?
By Alejandra Agustin | Nov. 14The best way to help your partner is to listen to him and his needs, not what you think he needs.
So you’re thinking of quitting carbs?
By Lara Caglayan | Nov. 11You may have come across TikToks of someone claiming they eat steak with a side of butter for dinner every night and suggesting you do the same. If you haven’t seen these videos, I’m jealous.
Trump Administration policies drive up costs and erode care
By Sonaiya Brown | Nov. 10Health care in America is facing a crisis of affordability and access, driven by a series of aggressive policy decisions that disproportionately harm the nation's most vulnerable groups.
ICE’s treatment of immigrants must stop
By Kendall O'Connor | Nov. 10Since President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January of this year, the total number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees has increased by over 20,000 people.















