1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

I agree with scientists: Mars or bust

Apr. 18, 2013

Last week, Stephen Hawking gave humanity a startling prediction.

METRO

Local Venezuelans upset after election

By Marjorie Nunez | Apr. 18, 2013

From posting on social media to rallying on West University Avenue, UF students in Gainesville are actively showing their support for a recount in the Venezuelan presidential election that took place Sunday.

Satchel Raye, owner of Satchel’s Pizza, prepares a zero-calorie, stevia-sweetened drink, Stevie Z Cal, on Wednesday afternoon.

METRO

Satchel’s hopes its homemade sodas will make a splash

By Alex Harris | Apr. 18, 2013

Satchel’s Pizza has officially canned Pepsi products in favor of homemade colas.

METRO

Readers to book it to biannual Friends of the Library sale

By Elly Ayres | Apr. 18, 2013

Gainesville book lovers can get their novel fix with the Friends of the Library’s Spring Book Sale starting Saturday.

METRO

Florida bill would require unanimous vote for death penalty

By Kathryn Varn | Apr. 18, 2013

Bills that would require a unanimous vote to sentence someone to death haven’t budged in the state House of Representatives and Senate.

Bridget Sloan performs her floor routine during Florida’s 198.1-196.85 win against Alabama on Feb. 8 in the O’Connell Center. Sloan won uneven bars (9.95) and all-around (39.675) against the Crimson Tide.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

A New Chapter: Freshman overcomes injury at Olympic trials

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Apr. 18, 2013

Inside the HP Pavilion center in San Jose, Calif., Bridget Sloan was vying for a spot on the U.S. Gymnastics team at the Olympic trials on June 28, 2012.

Kelsey Horton (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during Florida’s 4-2 win against Mississippi State on April 6 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Horton homered in Florida's 10-4 victory against Missouri to clinch the SEC Tournament championship.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Senior outfielder looking to continue hot streak at plate

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Apr. 18, 2013

Kelsey Horton has been a versatile player since she arrived at Florida in 2010. She is now playing the role of one of the Gators’ hottest hitters.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida Museum celebrates Earth Day

By Jordan Albright | Apr. 18, 2013

From blacktop to full color, the area in front of the Florida Museum of Natural History will transform into an aromatic wonderland for butterflies and guests.

Junior starting pitcher Jonathon Crawford warms up on the mound during Florida’s 3-2 victory against South Carolina on April 11 at McKethan Stadium. Crawford gave up four runs in four innings against Auburn on Friday.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The Rally: Does Florida baseball’s recent run spell postseason success?

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 18, 2013

After Florida’s 5-3 win at Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday, the Gators are winners of six in a row as they travel to Columbia, Mo., this weekend to take on Missouri — the 13th-ranked team in the Southeastern Conference. Josh Jurnovoy and Adam Pincus debate whether Florida’s recent run of success is sustainable or merely a hot streak.

Throwers coach Steve Lemke (left) and coach Mike Holloway walk across the field at Percy Beard Track at Pressly Stadium during the 2012 Florida Relays. Seventeen Gators qualified Sunday for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which are set to begin June 5.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Senior sprinter finishing strong

By GORDON STREISAND< | Apr. 18, 2013

Ebony Eutsey’s high school track and field resume was sparkling.

Senior Billy Federhofer prepares to backhand the ball during Florida’s 7-0 win against St. John’s on Jan. 26 at Linder Stadium. Federhofer dropped his last set 1-6 to end the Gators' 4-3 loss in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Senior returning for SEC tournament

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 18, 2013

Florida could see the return of senior Billy Federhofer when it begins postseason play.

Senior Sam Farrell runs down the field during Florida’s 16-9 win against Stony Brook on Feb. 20 at Dizney Stadium. UF will clinch the American Lacrosse Conference championship outright win a win against Northwestern on Saturday and a Penn State loss.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Slight defensive decline hinders Gators’ conference title chances

Apr. 18, 2013

Florida has come up short on defense during American Lacrosse Conference play, a trend that could prove troubling in the final weekend of the season.

Senior T.J. Vogel eyes his shot during the SunTrust Gator Invitational at Mark Bostick Golf Course on Sunday. Vogel is back with the Gators after competing in The Masters.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

UF begins SEC Championship tourney as No. 2 seed

By RJ Schaffer | Apr. 18, 2013

The Gators are about to face one of their toughest tests this year.

METRO

Study: Beer’s taste intoxicates drinkers

By Jeffrey Reale | Apr. 18, 2013

A new study suggests the taste of beer, instead of the alcohol content, may be what causes people to drink more, according to Indiana University School of Medicine researchers.

NEWS | CAMPUS

SG campaigning for bond package OK

By Colleen Wright | Apr. 18, 2013

Two weeks and $33 million stand between an expanded Reitz Union and a building renovated for quiet studying.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Jewish organizations trying for 1,800 to break Shabbat record

By Barbara Dimajo | Apr. 18, 2013

Multiple UF Jewish organizations are hosting the first-ever Shabbat 1800, and they’re looking to break a record.

Actor Anthony Rapp, best known for his performance in the Broadway musical and film “Rent,” speaks to students in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on Thursday evening before his show.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Anthony Rapp talks ‘Rent’ at Reitz

By Alexa Volland | Apr. 18, 2013

Anthony Rapp sat on the floor of the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom with his legs crossed in front of about 25 UF students Thursday.

METRO

Florida sends message about texting

By Alex Harris | Apr. 18, 2013

Texting while driving may be illegal in Florida as soon as May 3 if a bill passed unanimously Tuesday in the Florida Senate also passes in the state’s House of Representatives.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators run for those who have fallen

By Samantha Shavell | Apr. 18, 2013

UF students are holding a 5K Saturday in honor of two fallen Gators.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Worked Up: Can this week pump the brakes?

Apr. 17, 2013

When a lot of bad news happens in one week, it can be really easy to feel like like the world is out to get you.

El Caimán