Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Saturday, December 21, 2024

Melanie Pena

Staff Writer

Melanie Peña is a second-year business and journalism major. When she's not designing a graphic or writing an article, she's probably making jewelry or exploring coffee shops in Gainesville.


METRO  |  POLITICS

‘It’s hard to exist’: Transgender community grapples with ban on gender-affirming health care Medicaid coverage

Many transgender Floridians are being impacted by the Agency for Health Care Administration’s ban on gender-affirming care coverage, which went into effect Aug. 21. A motion for a preliminary injunction was heard and denied by a judge Oct. 12. The preliminary injunction would’ve temporarily blocked enforcement of the AHCA’s Medicaid policy during the trial. 

METRO  |  BUSINESS

Tup Tim Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar reopens after health department shutdown

Tup Tim Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar, located at 1228 W. University Ave. near the Publix Super Market at University Village Market, was shut down by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Sept. 13 for health violations. The infractions included multiple rodent droppings, one dead rodent and dead roaches, according to the inspection report. Following two inspections, the restaurant, which was a go-to spot for some Gainesville residents, was cleared to open. 

NEWS  |  CAMPUS

UF students confront pandemic fatigue, lingering anxiety as monkeypox cases rise in Alachua County

As of Sept. 10, there are nine monkeypox cases reported in Alachua County, with one of the cases belonging to the 15 to 19 years age range, and another in the 20 to 24 years age range. The number of reported cases increased by five since Aug. 29. Now, as monkeypox casts a familiar air of uncertainty, UF students worry they could face another viral outbreak.

More articles »

More media »


Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.