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Saturday, September 13, 2025

Opinion | Columns

Conflicting research regarding Diet Coke’s health effects has stirred public discourse.
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Is your diet coke addiction really killing you?

I think we have all heard that aspartame, the sweetener in many diet sodas, has been found to cause cancer. Every time I order a sweet, crispy Diet Coke, my mom gives me that look and a mini lecture. But what if I told you the cancer risk of aspartame has been vastly exaggerated? 


The company sign for GRU stands outside a secured government complex in North Gainesville, Florida, on Nov. 17, 2024.
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

A message from Gainesville Regional Utilities' CEO

Unlike many of your hometown utilities, Gainesville Regional Utilities is a one-stop shop. We provide electric, natural gas, water and, for those who live in a GATOR NET community, high-speed internet. We also treat wastewater at our two local facilities and work with the City of Gainesville to bill for their solid waste and stormwater services.


City Commissioner Susan Bottcher calls to congratulate District 3 winner Craig Carter. Bottcher’s term comes to an end in May.
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Why you should vote YES on Local Public Utilities Nov. 4

The state legislature forcefully placed our locally owned public utility, Gainesville Regional Utilities, under the control of Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023. This stripped Gainesville voters of their power to choose who controls GRU, despite the stated will of its ratepayers in two previous elections. DeSantis appointed five people to the new Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Board, who answer only to him.


Lucas Nadeau headshot on August 29th, 2025.
OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Dear Florida Democrats: Stop running Republican-lites

The primaries for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial election are still a year away. But some Florida Democratic Party officials are already attempting to prevent a primary in the first place. Who is the party anointing as their pick for Florida governor in 2026? Surprise, it’s another former Republican.


OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Mayor Ward Welcomes You Back

Welcome back to fall in Gainesville! Yes, I know it’s technically still summer, and I know it’s still hot. It’s going to be this way for a bit, but I promise you there’s no better place to be than right here in Gator Country right now. 


OPINION  |  COLUMNS

In a while, crocodile

I applied to The Alligator to become a copy editor over a year ago as a last-minute decision, kicking off what would become one of the most rewarding times of my life. 


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