1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Leave Malia alone, we have our own problems to worry about

Nov. 26, 2017

A couple of days ago, a video of Malia Obama blowing smoke rings went viral. The internet flipped out. Everyone either sang her praises or was deeply offended. “Go, Malia! I’m glad you’re having fun in college and doing your own thing! Get it, girl!” Or, “How dare she! What a delinquent. As a daughter of a former president, she should not be behaving in this manner.” There was a third response, which was something along the lines of, “Who cares?” This whole incident brought to mind something I find very important. It is also something frequently underemphasized, particularly in this day and age. This, dear reader, is the art of minding your own business.

OPINION | COLUMNS

It’s dangerous to think Democrats are immune to sexual misconduct

Nov. 26, 2017

Roy Moore. Al Franken. John Conyers. Bill Clinton. Harvey Weinstein. Bill O’Reilly. The list goes on. The past year has brought an onslaught of sexual harassment and assault allegations from Hollywood and Washington, D.C. It’s sad and telling that this is at least the second time this semester I’ve written about this topic, but it’s not going away anytime soon.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Listen to those you disagree with, but not all of them

Nov. 26, 2017

In this political climate, it can be tempting to surround yourself with like-minded folks and call it a day — online and offline. On our social media, it would be easy (and, let’s face it, understandable) to unfollow every user who posted a status update or wrote a tweet decrying a politician you admire or denouncing a policy you believe would help people. You could even replace the lost profiles with more accounts of people who agree with and amplify your views. But is this the right thing to do?

OPINION | EDITORIALS

The challenge in explaining injustice

Nov. 26, 2017

The other day, a friend of the Alligator opinions editor asked her why she wants to fight injustice. Being honest, Abby said herself she didn’t know how to answer the question with anything other than the elementary and unimpressive response: “because it’s wrong.” Now to use one of those activist buzzwords, we at the Alligator are going to “unpack” this question.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Graduate teaching assistants concerned about tax reform

By Christina Morales | Nov. 26, 2017

Bethan Shipway fears she may have to move back to England if U.S. senators pass a new tax reform bill.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

FHP: Woman crashes car, leaves scene, drives drunk

By Meryl Kornfield | Nov. 26, 2017

An Alachua woman was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and driving drunk Saturday, Florida Highway Patrol said.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Bill for SG voter awareness to be heard by Senate on Tuesday

By Romy Ellenbogen | Nov. 26, 2017

A bill mandating Student Government social media accounts to make a social media post announcing elections passed through the SG Judiciary Committee on Sunday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Hops crop affected by small pest

By Ashley Mirtyl | Nov. 26, 2017

Florida growers may face problems in the future with the introduction of nematodes, or microscopic worms, into the soil.

NEWS | CAMPUS

To confront climate change, UF researcher develops heat-tolerant corn

By Rosanne Ramraj | Nov. 26, 2017

UF researchers won a national award for engineered heat-tolerant corn.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Red colors keep consumer attention longer

By Rosanne Ramraj | Nov. 26, 2017

The color red keeps consumers focused on package labels, a new UF study suggests.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF professor wins national award for soil research

By Rosanne Ramraj | Nov. 26, 2017

Gerrit Hoogenboom, a UF professor of agricultural and biological engineering, won an award for his decadeslong work in soil science.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD: Man steals guns from car, leaves his phone

By Meryl Kornfield | Nov. 26, 2017

A Gainesville man was arrested for breaking into a car and stealing three guns after the car owner found the man’s cellphone in his car, Gainesville Police said.

METRO

Local charity ‘adopts’ family for Christmas

By Noelle Kough | Nov. 26, 2017

On Christmas morning, gifts under the Brumfield family tree won’t come from family members or Santa but will be given by generous strangers.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF Latin American Studies holds campaign for student fund

By Camille Respess | Nov. 26, 2017

The UF Center for Latin American Studies is striving to raise $5,000 by the end of the month.

METRO

Church fundraises with annual gift-wrapping service

By Lauren Smith | Nov. 26, 2017

Lori Coats, from now until Dec. 24, will wrap holiday gifts at The Oaks Mall for charity.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF alumna honored for work in STEM inclusivity

By Davio Rodriguez | Nov. 26, 2017

UF alumna Eunice Heath was recently named a Forty Over 40 honoree for her role in developing inclusivity in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

ACSO: Police dog finds woman hiding from warrant

By Meryl Kornfield | Nov. 26, 2017

A Gainesville woman with an active warrant out for her arrest was found by deputies hiding behind a washing machine Saturday, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said.