1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

A Republican state lawmaker insulted women and sexual assault survivors nationwide Thursday when he spoke about rape exemptions in a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. During West Virginia’s House Health Committee meeting, delegate Brian Kurcaba argued that rape and incest victims shouldn’t be exempt from the ban because even pregnancy from rape has a silver lining.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Need for Moderation

Feb. 9, 2015

If there’s one thing this world has no shortage of, it’s opinions on the State of Israel. There are vocal proponents and vocal oppositions. The spectrum of opinions on Israel’s existence ranges from “shouldn’t exist at all” to “unconditionally” and yet, as with most political things, the middle of the spectrum is largely ignored. Although it may be the least-recognized group of advocates, that’s not to say it doesn’t exist. This is why the need for J Street U on UF’s campus is so pressing. The Middle East is, and always has been, a hotspot for political and religious tension. Ignoring this tension in favor of one group or another is illogical and unproductive. J Street U aims to change this.

OPINION | COLUMNS

President Obama’s speech calls for religious tolerance

Feb. 9, 2015

Each U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower has attended the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event started in 1953. President Barack Obama is no different in this instance, and he gave a speech at the breakfast last week. This speech marked Obama’s seventh attendance at the breakfast, and while the speech was uplifting in its hopeful message, it also raised a few eyebrows and has resulted in a lot of backlash from conservative politicians and organizations.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

UF women’s golf holding firm in California tourney

By JUSTEN ROSENBERG | Feb. 9, 2015

The Gators wrapped up Monday’s second round at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge in the same position they were in on Sunday – fifth place.

NEWS

Footnotez Reviews: B4.DA.$$

By Emanuel Griffin | Feb. 9, 2015

Hello and welcome to Footnotez. Footnotez is a weekly music blog. Music is a reflection of the human heartbeat and one of the most important forms of expression. This blog will be primarily composed of three different types of posts:

Amanda Butler calls out a play during Florida's 64-56 loss to No. 6 Tennessee on Feb. 8 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators working on shot selection with season winding down

By GRAHAM HALL | Feb. 9, 2015

The first half of Sunday afternoon’s game against No. 6 Tennessee looked different from most games the Florida women’s basketball team has played this year.

Ryan Orr tees off on Day 2 of the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 16 at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida prepping for lone home tournament

By Ryan Summers | Feb. 9, 2015

The Florida men’s golf team will host its only home tournament of the year this weekend after a second place finish in the first spring tournament at the Sea Best Invitational in Jacksonville.

Sophomore attacker Sammi Burgess fights for a ground ball during UF's 17-11 loss to UNC at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

UF lacrosse looking for quick turnaround after season-opening loss

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Feb. 9, 2015

Different year, same result. In 2014, Florida opened its regular season with a game against North Carolina and was humbled by a 20-8 loss. On Saturday, the No. 4 Gators (0-1) hosted the No. 2 Tar Heels (2-0) in Florida’s regular season opener and fell 17-11.

Michael Frazier attempts a three-point shot during Florida's loss to No. 1 Kentucky in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators likely without Michael Frazier against Ole Miss on Thursday

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Feb. 9, 2015

Florida could be without one of its top scorers for the near future.

Alex McMurtry performs her balance beam routine during Florida's win against Georgia on Jan. 30.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Freshmen providing quality performances early in careers

By GRAHAM HACK | Feb. 9, 2015

Transitioning into college is difficult for any 18-year-old student-athlete.

Jeremy Foley addresses reporters during a press conference Monday.

SPORTS

Jeremy Foley clarifies details on athletics projects

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Feb. 9, 2015

The world of college sports facility building is a high stakes arms race, but by comparative standards the University of Florida has been Switzerland for a good while.

El Caimán