1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Dr. Barbara Knox, who faced allegations of creating a hostile work environment, has resigned in light of an investigation into her behavior.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF child abuse pediatrician resigns after investigation into workplace conduct

By Avery Parker | July 7

A human resources investigation into UF Jacksonville Health child abuse pediatrician Barbara Knox substantiated accusations she created a hostile work environment while leading the University of Florida’s Child Protection Team, a child pediatric clinic handling cases of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Drastic budget cuts to weather agencies have left meteorologists in the dark as they scramble to keep up with a rapidly approaching hurricane season.

NEWS | CAMPUS

NOAA budget cuts threaten hurricane response as Florida enters peak season

By Avery Parker and Koushin Unber | July 7

In 2024, Sean Farrell’s family found no damage after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He doesn’t know if he could say the same about this year because funding cuts on weather prediction programs can chip away at families’ preparation.

A protester carries a sign as the crowd chants at Depot Park on Friday, July 4, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘Patriots who pay attention’: Protesters gather at Depot Park on the Fourth of July

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 4

Instead of barbecue tongs and chilled drinks, Gainesville residents traded parties for posters to protest the Trump administration Friday morning.

Jillian Colosimo, Gator Band’s first female drumline captain, poses in front of “Big Boom,” the band’s signature bass drum.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Breaking barriers with a beat

By Swasthi Maharaj | July 4

The University of Florida Fightin’ Gator Marching Band has been keeping time since 1913, making it one of the oldest collegiate marching bands in Florida. Despite existing for over a century, no woman ever held the title of drum captain — until now.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man charged with kidnapping coworker

By Logan McBride | July 3

A Gainesville man was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with kidnapping after holding a coworker hostage for nearly four hours.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville sex offender charged with possessing child pornography

By Bailey Diem | July 3

A Gainesville man and registered sex offender was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Gainesville has many late-night eat options, offering a variety of food options for students up at all hours of the night.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Out at night and wanting a bite?

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 3

Venturing across Gainesville only takes up half an evening. The second half is greeted with growling stomachs and a craving night owls can only kick after the clock strikes midnight. Here are four choices, from quick stops to sit-downs, where you can satisfy your cravings.

Lorde’s new album Virgin is her first non-collaborative release in the past few years, exploring aspects of her own identity.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Messy, bold and deeply human: Lorde’s ‘Virgin’ album review

By Isis Snow | July 3

After a four-year wait, Lorde released her fourth studio album, “Virgin,” on June 27. She reintroduces herself in the release with a stark tonal shift from the warm wistfulness of her last album, “Solar Power,” to something colder, heavier and confrontational.

A sign at the lookout on the Bolen Bluff trail at Payne’s Prairie warns guests about preserve hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Proposed housing development near Paynes Prairie puts park’s future in question

By Logan McBride | July 2

When Ross heard of a new housing development proposed off U.S. Highway 441 – adjacent to Paynes Prairie – the 75-year-old was concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the project.

The Millhopper Library helps the community improve literacy rates by staying open seven days a week to the public, pictured Sunday, June 29, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Illiteracy’s hidden toll on Alachua County families

By Logan McBride | July 1

Nearly one in five adults in Alachua County can’t read well enough to navigate daily life – part of a rising tide of illiteracy that has quietly surged across the country in recent years.

UF’s presidential search process faces mounting influence from Republican lawmakers, raising concerns over political interference.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

Republicans resume focus on UF presidential search

By Maria Avlonitis | June 30

As UF’s third presidential search in three years looms, one word has become ubiquitous: politics.

The Paper Bag Deli is opening a satellite location on Stadium Rd replacing Sweetberries on campus location. The new shop anticipates customers on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

SweetBerries closes in Newell Hall, The Paper Bag to open in its place

By Victoria Riccobono | June 30

After three years on the University of Florida campus, SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard in Newell Hall closed its doors on April 29. The Paper Bag, a sandwich deli, will provide a new menu for students to enjoy as they fuel up between studying and classes in its place.

This shopping season, overconsumption is out and deinfluencing is in! As advertising and peer pressure become more prominent in everyday life, many shoppers are eschewing impulse purchases and adopting more sustainable consumer practices.

THE AVENUE | TRENDS

‘De-influence my wishlist’ trend urges consumers to rethink their purchases

By Isis Snow | June 26

Consumerism remains a dominant force in society. Buying things has become a key part of modern culture, often seen as a way to express identity and status. But a new TikTok trend encourages users to pause and think before they buy.

Tigert Hall is seen on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

UF considers 10% raise on out-of-state student fees beginning Fall 2025

By Maria Avlonitis | June 25

The UF Board of Trustees said it will consider increasing out-of-state students’ tuition by 10%. If approved, the new costs will go into effect in Fall 2025.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission delays East Gainesville housing project, explores new animal shelter location

By Logan McBride | June 25

Alachua County Commissioners voted to delay decisions on an East Gainesville housing project and a new animal resources facility at a meeting Tuesday.

Satia Brown (left) and Hannah Huynh (right) swing a string in front of Josie at Feline Good Cat Cafe on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Feeline Good Cat Café closes doors on four-year anniversary

By Allison Bonnemaison | June 25

After four years and over a thousand adoptions, Feeline Good Cat Café had just 11 cats left before it closed its doors on June 21.

The city of Gainesville celebrated Juneteenth this past Sunday with a Father and Son cookout. Many community members showed up and helped each other out, showing vast support for these businesses.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘Tha Cookout’ honors Black fatherhood with food, community and connection

By Candy Fontana-Verde | June 23

Throughout Cynthia Chesnut Park, laughter and conversation echoed through the trees as Gainesville residents gathered for “Tha Cookout” Sunday afternoon. The event marked not only a tribute to Juneteenth but an opportunity to honor Black fatherhood and strengthen community ties.

Crowds browse the vendors alley during Freedom Fest at Bo Didley Plaza on Saturday, June 21st.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Freedom Fest celebrates Emancipation Day, Juneteenth

By Alanna Robbert | June 22

As attendees were ushered into Bo Diddley Plaza Saturday afternoon, they were met with live music, food and family-oriented fun to continue Gainesville’s month-long Juneteenth celebration.

Dallas Wilson dodges a tackler during the Gators' Orange and Blue game on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Dallas Wilson named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year watch list

By Max Bernstein | Aug. 26

Florida freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson was named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List on Tuesday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Jacksonville’s new stroke unit brings emergency response resources to the community

By Swasthi Maharaj | June 20

UF Health Jacksonville has unveiled its first mobile stroke unit. With its telemedicine equipment, paramedics can connect to stroke neurologists in real time.

El Caimán