Monday, October 19, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 123 · Monday, October 19, 2026

State & National

Bernie Sanders rallies more than 3,000 at UF for Senate candidate Angie Nixon

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared at the University of Florida’s University Auditorium on Sunday as part of his nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drawing an audience of more than 3,000 people from across North Central Florida. He was joined by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon, a former state representative challenging Republican incumbent Ashley Moody — who was appointed to the seat in 2025 after Marco Rubio left to become U.S. Secretary of State. Florida voters will decide the Senate race on November 3.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator · WCJB TV20

Sports

Florida basketball falls to Baylor in Jacksonville exhibition game

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team lost to Baylor in a preseason exhibition game held in Jacksonville. The coaching staff indicated the team was not alarmed by the result, treating it as an expected part of early preparation rather than a cause for concern.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun

Sports

Florida Gators return to AP Top 25 after road upset of No. 7 Texas

The Florida Gators climbed back into the AP Top 25, landing at No. 20 after defeating Texas 27-24 in Austin. Florida, now 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC, also re-entered the US LBM Coaches Poll following the win. The team has a bye week before heading to Atlanta to face Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

Sports

No. 7 Florida volleyball knocks off No. 12 Texas in five-set road win

The Florida Gators volleyball team defeated Texas in a five-set match, handing the Longhorns their first home loss of the season. The ranked road victory moves Florida to a strong position in the national standings.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Education

In Brief

Independent Florida Alligator marks 120 years of student journalism — The Independent Florida Alligator

Public Safety

In Brief

Man, 63, killed after crashing into tree on Southwest Williston Road — WCJB TV20

Business

In Brief

Publix faces growing pressure from budget rivals Aldi and Walmart — The Gainesville Sun

Sports

In Brief

Gators men’s tennis doubles duo reaches ITA Southeast Regional final — The Independent Florida Alligator

Community

In Brief

Fraternities hold flag football game at UF to honor former student’s memory — WUFT News
Hunter Moon to rise in October skies ahead of Halloween — The Gainesville Sun
Chefs weigh in on whether pricier pasta is worth the splurge — The Gainesville Sun
No Kings protesters gather in Gainesville with music and a message of unity — The Gainesville Sun

State & National

In Brief

Florida Alligator publishes voter guide for US House District 3 race — The Independent Florida Alligator
Alligator publishes voter guide for State Senate District 6 race — The Independent Florida Alligator
Poll finds most Americans skeptical they’ll receive Trump’s proposed $5,000 dividend — The Gainesville Sun