Aidan Bush

Staff Writer

Aidan Bush is a second-year journalism major and the city and county commission reporter for the Alligator. Previously, he worked as a reporter for the Citrus County Chronicle. When not writing, he enjoys creating videos, water activities and spending time with his friends.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested on suspicion of sexual battery toward 5-year-old

By Aidan Bush | May 5

A Gainesville man was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of sexual battery toward a 5-year-old. Emilio Avalos Angel, 45, was charged with one capital felony count of sexual battery to a victim under 12. Avalos Angel allegedly battered her countless times throughout 2014, according to his arrest report. At that time he served as her caretaker and guardian.

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Houston Harwood

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

First-grader unknowingly brought handgun to Meadowbrook Elementary School

By Aidan Bush | May 5

Parents were startled Wednesday after Alachua County Public Schools reported a first-grader accidentally brought a loaded gun to his classroom. No criminal charges were filed as the gun landed in the boy’s backpack from a series of events unknown to both the child and his mother, according to a release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

An empty space remains after Pollo Tropical closed in the Reitz Union on UF's campus Friday, April 28, 2023.

Connor O'Bryan

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Reitz Union’s Pollo Tropical closes its doors

By Aidan Bush | May 5

Formerly serving citrus-marinated chicken to lines of students, an empty construction area is all that remains of Pollo Tropical since it closed on April 26. Pollo Tropical was the latest chain restaurant to close its doors in the Reitz Union food court, preceded by Papa John’s and Wendy’s.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over a stolen lighter

By Aidan Bush | May 1

A Gainesville man was taken into custody after he allegedly stabbed another man multiple times. Torrance Lee, 38, was charged with one felony count of attempted homicide without premeditation.

Vivian Filer, executive director of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, speaks at a reception to begin Gainesville's 43rd-annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival Friday, April 28, 2023.

Aidan Bush

METRO | BUSINESS

Historic Black neighborhood honored in 43rd annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 30

The Cultural Arts Coalition hosted the second day of its 43rd-annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees browsed vendors selling cultural items, singing performances and a variety of local-made art. The festival is held each year to celebrate Fifth Avenue, the city’s oldest Black neighborhood, according to Gainesville Neighborhoods United.

Minca Davis

METRO

‘Ava’s Law’ could expand protection for pregnant women after Gainesville tragedy

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 24

Florida Senate Bill 730 — referred to as “Ava’s Law” after the child former inmate Erica Thompson lost after giving birth in the Alachua County Jail in August 2021 — would allow women charged with felonies to request to delay their sentence until after they’ve given birth.

Courtesy to The Alligator

METRO

Caring and Sharing Learning School celebrates Earth Day with tree planting, poem reading

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 22

Kids of all ages danced, sang and performed poetry under the warmth of the sun Thursday morning, celebrating the environment and its impact.

Matthew Cupelli

METRO

Financial savviness meets climate activism in We Are Neutral

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 17

Formerly called "Neutral Gator," We Are Neutral planted 200 trees to offset a Florida-South Carolina football game. Now, it stands in collaboration with over 85 businesses and organizations to promote green efforts across the nation.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville teen shot at in drive-by

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 11

A group of Gainesville males allegedly shot at a teen Monday evening.

SPANISH

Grupos inmigrantes en Gainesville protestan propuesta legislativa del estado

By Aidan Bush and Valentina Sandoval | Apr. 10

Residentes de Gainesville se reunieron el miércoles en la tarde para protestar el proyecto de ley estatal HB1617, la cual incrementaría penalidades para los inmigrantes trabajando indocumentados y colectaría una encuesta sobre ellos.