Kairi Lowery

Alligator Staff Writer

Kairi Lowery is a second-year journalism major and a metro general assignment reporter for The Alligator. When she's not writing you can find her lounging on the beach with a book or collecting vinyls.

People board and exit an RTS bus Wednesday, July 24, 2019 by the The Hub at UF.

Sam Thomas

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

UF proposes funding cuts to Gainesville Regional Transit program

By Kairi Lowery | Apr. 9

The Gainesville Regional Transit System, originally introduced in 1988, provides unlimited bus service for University of Florida students, faculty and staff. To provide this service, UF currently contributes $13.7 million to the system. However, a new proposal beginning July 1 would allow UF to make monthly payments of $570,000, totaling to $6.8 million, and a decreased contribution of over 50%.

Courtesy to The Alligator

METRO | POLITICS ENTERPRISE

Campaign efforts for Florida House of Representatives District 22 gear up

By Kairi Lowery | Apr. 8

This election will determine Rep. Chuck Clemons’ (R-22) replacement after his eight-year run in the Florida House of Representatives.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville mayor’s office targeted in string of vandalism events

By Kairi Lowery and Ella Thompson | Apr. 1

A note attached to one of the projectiles was addressed to “Mr. Ward,” and expressed anger toward the city’s commitments to equity and inclusion. The note allegedly contained threatening and racist language, according to a city press release.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Trenton man videos victim in UF Library West stall

By Kairi Lowery | Mar. 28

A Trenton man allegedly recorded a victim in UF Library West Wednesday while using a urinal without consent.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville City Hall vandalized for a third time

By Kairi Lowery | Mar. 27

An unidentified individual maliciously smashed a window on Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward’s first floor office, leaving a note allegedly filled with threats and racist language, according to a city press release.

Abby Bennett plays pickleball on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.

Madilyn Gemme

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Pickleball creates competition, community in Alachua County

By Kairi Lowery | Feb. 19

Pickleball, a sport very similar to tennis, has taken the world by storm. First originating from boredom and badminton equipment in 1965, pickleball has now emerged as the fastest-growing sport with a 40% increase in popularity in recent years.

Matthew Lewey in “An Era of Progress and Promise” published in 1910.

Library of Congress

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Matthew Lewey: A story left behind

By Kairi Lowery | Feb. 12

However, Matthew Lewey, an unknown name to most, is an important part of Florida’s history, said renowned author and historian Paul Ortiz.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Santa Fe College student charged with battery

By Kairi Lowery | Feb. 8

A Santa Fe College student was arrested and charged with battery, a first degree misdemeanor, Thursday.

Uncarcerated host Leigh Scott at GRACE Marketplace on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.

Evelyn Miguel

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

‘Uncarcerated’: Giving a voice to those released from prison

By Kairi Lowery | Feb. 5

“Uncarcerated” began with an online-ordered microphone, a tiny soundboard and a pursuit to find more meaning in life. Leigh Scott started his podcast to process the trauma he experienced within the criminal justice system, he said.

Isabella Ferrie, Diego Perdomo

METRO

Gainesville residents, officials reflect on continuous housing crisis

By Kairi Lowery | Jan. 22

Dumas noticed large chain corporations like Walmart and Publix taking over isn’t the only change the city is facing; it’s also facing rising interest rates, causing an affordable housing crisis for potential homebuyers.