1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Dr. Joseph Ladapo is seen on Oct. 14, 2021.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF faces criticism after hiring Florida surgeon general critical of COVID-19 measures

By J.P. Oprison | Dec. 6, 2021

Controversy has clouded his role at UF after reports showed Board of Trustees Chair Morteza “Mori” Hosseini, who has ties to DeSantis, personally expedited Ladapo’s resume to UF Health despite his controversial views on COVID-19 measures. Ladapo’s hiring brought into question the school’s tenure process, which typically takes about a year and a half.

Alex Nelson, UF freshman, lights a menorah for the sixth night of Hanukkah at the UF Hillel’s pajama-themed Shabbat dinner on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

METRO

Gainesville Jewish community celebrates post-quarantine Hanukkah festivities

By Faith Buckley and Omar Ateyah | Dec. 6, 2021

Although the COVID-19 pandemic upended the communal aspects of Jewish life, Gainesville’s Jewish community was still able to celebrate the Festival of Lights in each other’s company throughout the week beginning with Nov. 28.

Caroline Pagac poses for a photo with her sister, Amanda.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Caroline Pagac: For the love of the team

By Jackson Castellano | Dec. 6, 2021

Caroline Pagac endured a long and winding road to walk on to Florida’s diving program, but it led her to where she always belonged: a team.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Sundays are for The Alligator. Always.

By Carolina Ilvento | Dec. 6, 2021

That’s the thing about The Alligator — we care so much for the paper that covering stories is so instinctive that we may forget to sleep. Maybe I don’t need to sleep. Can I stay a bit longer?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Your passion led me here

By Kristin Bausch | Dec. 6, 2021

It’s really hard to pinpoint why this moment is so bitter-sweet, but when you’re surrounded by hardworking individuals 24/7 it’s hard to let that feeling go.

Sara Kate Dyson worked at The Alligator since Fall 2020.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

A sad, beautiful, tragic goodbye to The Alligator (SK’s Version)

By Sara Kate Dyson | Dec. 6, 2021

As Red (Taylor’s Version) continued to play through my ears, I thought about how it perfectly sums up the bittersweet goodbye I wanted to convey in this final article.

Noah Ram worked at The Alligator since Spring 2019.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Trust the process

By Noah Ram | Dec. 6, 2021

A phone call from then-sports editor Jake Dreilinger on a Thursday night in late-January set in motion the best three years of my life.

Zachary Huber worked at The Alligator since Spring 2020

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Always team Alligator

By Zachary Huber | Dec. 6, 2021

Tears dropped from my eyes and formed a puddle on the ground at the library at Providence High School because I thought it would be the last time I’d be a part of a team.

Florida football coach Billy Napier greets fans during his first day on the job Dec. 5, 2021 in Gainesville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Ground and pound: The Billy Napier philosophy

By Ryan Haley | Dec. 5, 2021

Florida football head coach Billy Napier began his UF tenure Sunday, but what kind of coach did the Gators get?

Florida's Kristina Moore returned to the court Sunday for the first time since Nov. 19.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida survives a punishing performance in the paint from TCU

By Brenda Bogle | Dec. 5, 2021

Florida defeated TCU 63-54 for its third win in its last four road games, moving to 7-3 for the season after the road swing.

Florida football landed its 15th recruit of the 2022 cycle Wednesday with four-star defensive lineman Jamari Lyons.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida plays UCF in Gasparilla Bowl

By Zachary Huber | Dec. 5, 2021

Florida will play UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 23 in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium.

Florida's Alfonso Mestre competes in the 500 free during an Oct. 29 meet against Georgia.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Florida swimmers impress at U.S. Open Championships

By Jackson Castellano | Dec. 5, 2021

Florida made full use of their time at the U.S. Open in Greensboro this week, collecting a handful of victories that indicate good things to come this season.

Citizens Field is seen during a game between the Eastside Rams and Newberry Panthers on Oct. 14, 2021.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Henry tops list of top athletes to suit up at Citizens Field

By Noah Ram | Dec. 4, 2021

Gators QB Anthony Richardson ranks as just the latest of the legends to play at Citizens Field. Noah Ram breaks down four others who excelled on the storied field.

Kiki Smith (left) and Lavender Briggs (right), pictured during a game against Mizzou game Jan. 28. Smith scored a game-high 28 points for the Gators Sunday.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators attempt to leap past Horned Frogs Sunday

By Brenda Bogle | Dec. 4, 2021

Florida hopes to shake off a nail-biting loss to George Mason with a Sunday afternoon match-up against TCU.

Florida's Thayer Hall serves during an Oct. 16 match against Texas A&M.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators sweep Hurricanes in final game at the O’Dome

By Carson Cashion | Dec. 3, 2021

The Florida Gators are headed to the Sweet 16 after a sweep victory over the Miami Hurricanes in Gainesville.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Man arrested in connection to pursuit that closed Interstate 75

By Omar Ateyah | Dec. 3, 2021

Marandoe Acell Lamar Young, 21, was arrested Thursday by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit after a chase that started in Columbia County.

Robert Thomas, 43, stands in front of his tent behind the old fire station in downtown Gainesville where he says it’s “more peaceful” on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Thomas doesn’t know what he’ll do if the SPARC arts center is built, but says he’s willing to fight for the people camped out on the property.

METRO

Homeless group rehoused at Kampus Inn Gainesville

By Juliana Sanchez | Dec. 3, 2021

The camp closed Sept. 15, because the city is looking to occupy the space as part of its larger plan to revitalize the downtown area -- meaning several homeless people at the fire station couldn’t stay.

SPANISH

Comisionado de la ciudad de Gainesville lanza campaña para el alcalde

By Meghan McGlone and Saira González | Dec. 3, 2021

Gainesville llevará a cabo la elección de la Comisión de la Ciudad para los puestos en los distritos dos, tres y cuatro el 23 de agosto de 2022.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commissioner launches campaign for mayor

By Meghan McGlone | Dec. 3, 2021

Gainesville is holding its City Commission election for the mayor at-large seat and districts two, three and four on Aug. 23, 2022.

COVID 19

UF researcher discovers new animal coronaviruses, stresses their mutations could cause pandemics

By J.P. Oprison | Dec. 3, 2021

His studies reveal a global outbreak like COVID-19 can happen through further mutation of viruses as they continue to spread between people and animals.

El Caimán