1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Column: Scattered thoughts about Scalia, Cruz, checks and balances

Feb. 21, 2016

When I first saw the Politico breaking news alert informing me of the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia last week, I felt like someone punched me in the gut. For conservatives in the U.S., Scalia was more than an intellectual, consequential jurist and opera buff — Scalia was someone who championed the Constitution and our founding principles to their rightful extremes. The news of his death was tough for me.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Column: Location of new MCDA office shows UF is making diversity a priority

Feb. 21, 2016

With all the new spaces opening in the Reitz Union this past week, UF has shown, as it strives for preeminence, it doesn’t just look at what salaries its graduates get, but also how its students — particularly minorities — feel on campus.

METRO

Alachua Library District seeks volunteers for literacy program

By Janiece Sebris | Feb. 21, 2016

The Alachua County Library District is seeking volunteers to help adults who struggle with reading and spelling.

Pictured is the renovated Bo Diddley Plaza, featuring a new cafe, new stage lighting and artificial turf. On February 25th, soul singer Charles Bradley will take to the stage to perform.

METRO

$1.8 million Bo Diddley Plaza renovations near completion

By Meryl Kornfield | Feb. 21, 2016

After about $2 million and a year of renovations, Bo Diddley Community Plaza will reopen Thursday.

METRO

Free show at local church promotes sustainability and art

By Ashleigh Braun | Feb. 21, 2016

Art and science will find a place on the same stage Tuesday.

METRO

SoMa Art Media Hub celebrates one-year anniversary

By Lauren Johnson | Feb. 21, 2016

For the first time, Natelle Quek showcased her artwork in the parking lot of SoMa Art Media Hub on Saturday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF opens space for Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs

By Melissa Rodriguez | Feb. 21, 2016

As students walked into the Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs’ new office Saturday, they left their shoes at the door.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Police: Local woman hides crack pipe in vagina

By Martin Vassolo | Feb. 21, 2016

A Gainesville woman was arrested on UF’s campus early Saturday morning after police said she hid a crack pipe in her vagina.

Caeleb Dressel races in the 400 meter freestyle relay during Florida’s meet against Auburn on Jan. 23, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF men’s swimming and diving team captures fourth straight SEC championship

By Sean Doty | Feb. 21, 2016

Florida’s conference dynasty lives on.

Delanie Gourley pitches during Florida's 14-10 loss to LSU on March 14, 2015, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida softball sweeps double-header in Orlando

By Matt Brannon | Feb. 20, 2016

When Aleshia Ocasio got the strikeout to put the lid on a Saturday doubleheader, a sigh of relief swept across the dugout.

UF's Mollie Stevens attempts to make a play on the ball during Florida's 12-11 win over Michigan on Feb. 13, 2016, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF lacrosse upsets No. 2 UNC behind second-half rally

By Kyle Brutman | Feb. 20, 2016

Florida has consistently struggled against North Carolina.

Sam Horsfield tees off on the ninth hole at UF's Mark Bostick Golf Course during the first round of the SunTrust Invitational on Feb. 20, 2016.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators lead SunTrust Gator Invitational entering final round

By Ray Boone | Feb. 20, 2016

Led by star freshman Sam Horsfield, the No. 5 Florida men’s golf team holds a slim lead heading into the final round of its lone home tournament of the year.