opinion - The Independent Florida Alligator

Opinion

OPINION: The Lindsay Clancy case isn’t your true-crime mystery

By Evan Dressel | Aug. 24

Lindsay Clancy’s case provided an opportunity for a high-profile discussion about postpartum psychosis and the mental healthcare system. Instead, much of the online discourse has devolved into wild theories claiming Lindsay is actually innocent. These theories typically implicate then-husband and father Patrick Clancy as either the murderer or the masterful orchestrator of Lindsay’s deteriorating mental condition.

A tip jar at Karma Cream, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Opinion

OPINION: Why am I paying your employees?

By Shirin Khizzar | Aug. 24

Tipping itself isn’t the problem. The real issue is that America has blurred the line between workers who depend on tips as part of their wages and workers who are simply presented alongside a tip screen. As tipping prompts spread from sit-down restaurants to coffee shops, smoothie counters and takeout orders, customers are being asked to subsidize wages without knowing when gratuity is actually necessary. That confusion contributes to tipping fatigue — risking the livelihood of workers who depend on tips.

Opinion

Mayor Ward welcomes you back

By Harvey Ward | Aug. 23

Whether you’ve been here in Gainesville for a few days or a few decades, whether you’re already looking for the exits or trying to put down roots, whether you’re a casual bystander or hip deep in local culture, you are a part of Gainesville’s story, and Gainesville is a part of yours.

Opinion

Five things to know about studying abroad

By Shaine Davison | Aug. 12

Leading up to my semester abroad in Madrid my junior Spring, there were many logistics to sort out. Here are some tips about finding a program, financing it and more.

UF's Career Connections Center is located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union.

Opinion

The advice I wish I took as a freshman

By Brayden Schultz | Aug. 12

I went through my entire college experience thinking the piece of paper they give you at the end was all that mattered. In reality, that is what matters the least.

Criser Hall sits at 11478 Union Rd in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 10, 2026.

Opinion

The hidden benefits of being a UF PaCE student

By Sofia Alamo | Aug. 12

The Pathway to Campus Enrollment program, better known as PaCE, allows students to begin their degrees online before transitioning to campus. Students are required to complete their first two semesters and 60 credits through UF Online before becoming eligible for in-person classes. While students go through a different experience from the traditional path, some have reported their unique positions allow them to make the most of their time at UF.

Count Binface, the candidate persona of British writer Johnathan David Harvey, has been known to contest UK elections as a way to boost voter participation. The politician is easily recognizable by his intergalactic attire and bin shaped helmet.

Opinion

OPINION: Why America is where satire goes to die

By Sasha Morel | July 27

Vermin Supreme has been running for president since the 1980s. He wears a rubber boot on his head, carries a giant toothbrush and promises every American a free pony. In 2011, he was so committed to the bit he glitter-bombed a rival candidate at a minor-league debate.

A Spanish flag flies outside the Museo Reina Sofia, Friday, June 5, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.

Sports

The best stories from new champions, part 3

By Brayden Schultz | July 25

When Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa on June 11, the world came to a screeching halt. For the next 38 days, all eyes would be fixed on the pitch as nations competed for the highest honor of the most popular sport on the planet.

Sports

OPINION: Donald Trump ruined the 2026 World Cup

By Timothy Dillehay | July 20

At the 2026 World Cup, the United States Men's National Team opened its home World Cup in glory. Having last hosted the tournament in 1994, expectations for this year’s cup were high. And the team didn’t disappoint.

Judy Gardner, a tree planting volunteer, digs a hole during an Arbor Day festival at Earl P. Powers Park in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

Opinion

Further Steps: The Youth Civic Liaison Program must go on

By Justice Nah | July 13

After my opinion column was published May 18, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward invited me to discuss the Youth Civic Liaison Program, a proposal aimed at increasing youth participation in local government. During our conversation, he said he supported the idea.

Opinion

OPINION: An open letter of commendation to the UF Presidential Search and Selection Committee

By Sasha Morel | June 29

It has come to my attention the UF Presidential Search and Selection Committee has been doing its job with an efficiency and predatory grace that can only be described as deeply Gator. And I mean that in the most literal, zoological sense possible.

The NCAA is in an ongoing legal battle with Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

Sports

What’s next for Brendan Sorsby?

By Brayden Schultz | June 29

On June 15, Texas district court judge Ken Curry granted Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction allowing him to maintain his eligibility and play for the Red Raiders in 2026 — against the NCAA’s better judgment. A week later, the lawsuit was withdrawn.

FILE - This is a March 12, 2020, file photo showing Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals NHL hockey club in Washington. Get used to the concept of pods and pucks if the NHL is going to have any chance of completing its season, with the most likely scenarios calling for games in empty, air-conditioned arenas during the dog days of summer. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Sports

OPINION: The best stories from new champions, part 2

By Brayden Schultz | June 20

Spoiler alert: The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Golden Knights in six games, finally getting to the top of the hockey mountain for the first time since 2006.

Michael Wu (left), Dante Reccoppa (center), and Caleb Farina (right) sit together outside in form of the big screen at The Swamp Restaurant on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Sports

OPINION: The best stories from new champions, part 1

By Brayden Schultz | June 19

Twenty-six years, 11 months and nine days. That’s how long it’s been since the New York Knicks last appeared in an NBA Finals game. Fifty-three years, one month and three days. That’s how long it’s been since they last won it.

Graham Woods on UF's campus, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

Opinion

Restoration, responsibility and the future of Graham Woods

By Mark Helms | June 19

Public discussion regarding the Graham Woods Stormwater Improvement Project has largely focused on one question: How can cutting down trees be part of an environmental restoration project?

Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) hypes up the crowd as the Gators walk off the court after an NCAA college basketball game against Georgia, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Athens, Ga.

Opinion

OPINION: What happens when celebrity supersedes competition

By Brayden Schultz | June 8

The NBA has a blatant culture problem staring it directly in the face, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver refuses to acknowledge it.

The Florida baseball team celebrates catcher Cole Stanford's (29) homerun during an NCAA college baseball game against Stetson, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Opinion

The supreme statistic ruling over college baseball

By Brayden Schultz | June 5

As the 2026 NCAA baseball season winds down, some teams began their playoff preparations early by electing not to play certain games on their schedule.

The University of Florida's May 22 post on X may be an early test of its own political neutrality rules.

Opinion

OPINION: UF's DEI post tells us everything about the school’s vision for itself

By Sasha Morel | June 5

A federal official weighed in on a state university's presidential search. That alone should raise eyebrows. But what followed tells us more about the direction of this institution than any presidential forum ever will.

Opinion

‘Shaine in Spain’: Reviewing where I’ve been

By Shaine Davison | June 2

During my four-month study abroad experience, I was fortunate enough to travel to nearly a dozen cities. Here’s a rundown of everywhere I’ve been and my experiences there.

In this long exposure photo, cars drive past the arch near Heavener Hall overlooking West University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street. Summer A classes began yesterday and will run through June 19.

Opinion

OPINION: The Canvas hack reveals an overlooked way universities profit off students

By Sasha Morel | May 22

ShinyHunters, an international black-hat hacker group — meaning it targets institutions for profit, personal motive or to cause damage — had taken down Canvas, an online interface 41% of American colleges use to administer quizzes, track grades and, most importantly, publish study resources.