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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Leila Saidane, Photo Editor

Leila Saidane is a junior from Dallas, Texas, studying Radio-TV-Film and Journalism. Her words and photos have been published in The Texas Tribune, The Austin Chronicle, The Austin American-Statesman and The Dallas Morning News.

All content by Leila Saidane
Pro-Israel counter-protestors wave Israel flags behind a pro-Palestine demonstrator holding a sign reading “No more $$ for genocide” on Nov. 9, 2023.

[Photo] One year later: Students reflect on identity, safety, free speech on anniversary of Oct. 7

October 10, 2024

Pro-Israel counter-protestors wave Israel flags behind a pro-Palestine demonstrator holding a sign reading “No more $$ for genocide” on Nov. 9, 2023.

A protestor holds a “free Palestine” poster in the rain at the tower steps during a Palestine solidarity walkout on Nov. 9, 2023.

A protestor holds a “free Palestine” poster in the rain at the tower steps during a Palestine solidarity walkout on Nov. 9, 2023.

Over 15,000 attended a protest outside the Capitol on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, an end to the United States' aid to Israel and an end to the siege on Gaza, on Nov. 12, 2023. Many traveled to the capitol, including families, with 17 buses to Austin from across the state to help with transportation.

Over 15,000 attended a protest outside the Capitol on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, an end to the United States' aid to Israel and an end to the siege on Gaza, on Nov. 12, 2023....

The south end of the state Capitol on Congress Avenue, on March 23, 2023.

[Photo] Texas GOP releases official party platform before upcoming 89th Legislative Session

July 1, 2024

The south end of the state Capitol on Congress Avenue, on March 23, 2023.

Photo Editor goes pro, comes back to revive department, leaves again

Photo Editor goes pro, comes back to revive department, leaves again

Leila Saidane, Photo Editor November 30, 2023

My first photo meeting, in the fall of 2021, I sat at the ping pong table in the basement we call a newsroom and thought, “I’ll do this a little differently when I’m photo editor.” Like most...

Kusbel and her girlfriend, Karen, outside their apartment at The Village at 47th, right beside the I-35.

[Photo] I-35 expansion set to demolish apartment building, displacing UT students

November 13, 2023

The couple received a paper from the Texas Department of Transportation detailing relocation assistance.

Students gather at the steps of the tower to review the letters addressed to the University before delivering to President Jay Hartzell’s office.  The letters called on the University to publicly acknowledge the disruption of a Palestine Solidarity Committee educational event on Oct. 12, issue a statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and acknowledging the pain of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities, and to divest from weapon investment.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: Palestine Solidarity Walkout

November 10, 2023

Students gather at the steps of the tower to review the letters addressed to the University before delivering to President Jay Hartzell’s office. The letters called on the University to publicly acknowledge...

Protestors hold a banner reading “Wider won’t work” during the protest against TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-35 at Sanchez Elementary School on Sunday.

[Photo] Residents, UT students protest $4.5 billion I-35 expansion project

November 7, 2023

Former Texas Rep. Celia Israel speaks at the Rethink I-35 rally on Nov. 5, 2023. Israel advocated unifying city transit transit and reliable eco-friendly transportation.

Protestors hold a banner reading “Wider won’t work” during the protest against TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-35 at Sanchez Elementary School on Sunday.

Protestors hold a banner reading “Wider won’t work” during the protest against TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-35 at Sanchez Elementary School on Sunday.

Protestors hold a banner reading “Wider won’t work” during the protest against TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-35 at Sanchez Elementary School on Sunday.

[Photo] Residentes, estudiantes de UT protestan el proyecto de $4.5 billones para expandir I-35

November 9, 2023

Protestors hold a banner reading “Wider won’t work” during the protest against TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-35 at Sanchez Elementary School on Sunday.

West Campus pedestrians walk down 26th St. on Aug. 18, 2023.

[Photo] Austin releases survey to assess student housing needs

November 2, 2023

West Campus pedestrians walk down 26th St. on Aug. 18, 2023.

We Luv Video's screening room, located in the back of the rental store, holds a full audience for the screening on Oct. 23, 2023.

We Luv Video's screening room, located in the back of the rental store, holds a full audience for the screening on Oct. 23, 2023.

The Hourglass audience applauds for the episode introduction on Oct. 23, 2023.

The Hourglass audience applauds for the episode introduction on Oct. 23, 2023.

RTF senior Ryan Cerna performs as the show host Baxter Bones at We Luv Video on Oct. 23, 2023.

RTF senior Ryan Cerna performs as the show host Baxter Bones at We Luv Video on Oct. 23, 2023.

Audience members before the screening of the first The Hourglass episode of the semester on Oct. 23, 2023.

Audience members before the screening of the first The Hourglass episode of the semester on Oct. 23, 2023.

RTF junior Mason Scivally and RTF senior Cameron Coburn operate the projector for TSTV's The Hourglass screening on Oct. 23, 2023.

RTF junior Mason Scivally and RTF senior Cameron Coburn operate the projector for TSTV's The Hourglass screening on Oct. 23, 2023.

Niall Horan performs during weekend two of Austin City Limits on Oct. 15, 2023.

[Photo] Liveshot: Alanis Morissette proves ‘unironically’ iconic, Niall Horan gets on with ‘The Show’ at ACL

October 15, 2023

Niall Horan performs during weekend two of Austin City Limits on Oct. 15, 2023.

First-time voter Abby Uribe completes voting registration at the Headcount booth at ACL Fest on Oct. 15, 2023.

[Photo] Headcount instalan registración de votantes en ACL

October 17, 2023

First-time voter Abby Uribe completes voting registration at the Headcount booth at ACL Fest on Oct. 15, 2023.

Drag queen Natalie Hole performs in the Capitol Rotunda during the Youth Capitol Takeover on Mar. 29, 2023.

[Photo] Un juez federal dice que la prohibición de drag en Texas es inconstitucional y no se puede hacer cumplir

October 14, 2023

Drag queen Natalie Hole performs in the Capitol Rotunda during the Youth Capitol Takeover on Mar. 29, 2023.

Early education–6th generalist senior Dianna Davis and environmental engineering major Jillian Holt drink Cayman Jack’s shotgun-style before approaching the Cotton Bowl entry gates at the Red River Rivalry game.

Early education–6th generalist senior Dianna Davis and environmental engineering major Jillian Holt drink Cayman Jack’s shotgun-style before approaching the Cotton Bowl entry gates at the Red River...

Above: A car parked in a popular tailgating lot.
Below: A truck drives heavily trafficked Fair Park roads.

Above: A car parked in a popular tailgating lot. Below: A truck drives heavily trafficked Fair Park roads.

Ticket-holders enter the Cotton Bowl entrance at the Texas State Fair.

Ticket-holders enter the Cotton Bowl entrance at the Texas State Fair.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken throws a hook 'em at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday in support of Longhorns before the Red River Rivalry.

[Photo] Secretary of State Antony Blinken discusses war in Ukraine, immigration, AI during UT visit

October 4, 2023

Secretary of State Antony Blinken throws a hook 'em at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday in support of Longhorns before the Red River Rivalry.

The south end of the state Capitol on Congress Ave., on March 23, 2023.

[Photo] South Congress rolls out new paid parking system

October 4, 2023

The south end of the state Capitol on Congress Ave., on March 23, 2023.

Photos by Leila Saidane, Lorianne Willett. Design by Leila Saidane

[Photo] Los profesores discuten el impacto de la legislación reciente en el éxito académico de Texas

October 1, 2023

Photos by Leila Saidane, Lorianne Willett. Design by Leila Saidane

The Paramount Theater on South Congress for Texas Tribune Festival 2023.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: Texas Tribune Festival 2023

September 25, 2023

Texas Tribune Fest attendees during What Immigration Means to America panel, an open talk on South Congress St. on Sep. 23, 2023.

City of El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser on The Texas Tribune Festival's "What Immigration Means to America" panel with Texas State Prof. Sarah Coleman, policy advisor Laura Collins, Dara Lind, American Immigration Council fellow, and moderator Perla Trevizo on Sep. 23, 2023.

[Photo] Texas leaders and experts discuss the current state of immigration at Texas Tribune Festival

September 24, 2023

City of El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser on The Texas Tribune Festival's "What Immigration Means to America" panel with Texas State Prof. Sarah Coleman, policy advisor Laura Collins, Dara Lind, American Immigration...

"Jester Jester," an anonymous freshman in costume, hands candy out and scares pedestrians on speedway on Sep. 12, 2023.

[Photo] ‘The Jester Jester’ evokes students, advertises new spirit organization

September 19, 2023

"Jester Jester," an anonymous freshman in costume, hands candy out and scares pedestrians on speedway on Sep. 12, 2023.

Trampoline gymnast Tomas Minc, who has competed on the USA National Team six times, is a kinesiology freshman. “Growing up a gymnast, I’ve been around athletic trainers and PTs my whole life and I grew a passion to help people the way they helped me,” Minc said.

[Photo] Desde clases de gimnasia de “mamá y yo” a campeonatos mundiales

September 14, 2023

Trampoline gymnast Tomas Minc, who has competed on the USA National Team six times, is a kinesiology freshman. “Growing up a gymnast, I’ve been around athletic trainers and PTs my whole life and I...

French and Italian professor Maria Wells reads her poetry book "Images in the Clouds: Reading the Rky" in the PCL poetry center on Aug. 28, 2023.

[Photo] Poesía poderosa resuena a través de PCL

September 3, 2023

French and Italian professor Maria Wells reads her poetry book "Images in the Clouds: Reading the Rky" in the PCL poetry center on Aug. 28, 2023.

Art and entertainment technology junior Casey Dutton tables for Gamma Rho Lambda, a queer multicultural greek student org, on speedway on Aug. 28, 2023.

Art and entertainment technology junior Casey Dutton tables for Gamma Rho Lambda, a queer multicultural greek student org, on speedway on Aug. 28, 2023.

A student walks past the main mall activities on the first day of classes on Aug. 21, 2023.

[Photo] Looking Back: First Week of School

August 24, 2023

Pedestrians on Guadalupe St. on Aug. 24, 2023.

Student Government President Helen Getachew in Burdine Hall on Aug. 24, 2023. "We really do want to help students and be there for them," Getachew said. "If they ever need anything, student government should be the place, and we're trying to make it as welcoming and as comfortable of a space for them to reach out for help."

Student Government President Helen Getachew in Burdine Hall on Aug. 24, 2023. "We really do want to help students and be there for them," Getachew said. "If they ever need anything, student government...

RTF senior Lorena Chiles on the Moody bridge on Aug. 23, 2023.

[Photo] Student filmmaker reflects on award-winning short film

August 24, 2023

RTF senior Lorena Chiles on the Moody bridge on Aug. 23, 2023.

Tiktoker Adam Powell, who makes videos on Austin history, stands in front of the Littlefield Home, built in 1893 for Civil War veteran George Littlefield, on August 16, 2023. “I think it should be questioned whether this is a guy who's deserving of honor when his whole life's work, in terms of history, was pushing to honor the Confederacy as much as possible,” Powell said.

[Photo] Local content creator takes on online platform for community advocacy

August 20, 2023

Tiktoker Adam Powell, who makes videos on Austin history, stands in front of the Littlefield Home, built in 1893 for Civil War veteran George Littlefield, on August 16, 2023. “I think it should be questioned...

A building is demolished on Guadalupe and 21 street on May 2, 2023.

A building is demolished on Guadalupe and 21 street on May 2, 2023.

West Campus Ambassador Key Montalvo removes graffiti from a lamp post on 24th and Guadalupe on August 17, 2023.

West Campus Ambassador Key Montalvo removes graffiti from a lamp post on 24th and Guadalupe on August 17, 2023.

A protester chants and holds a sign during a climate action rally on Oct. 26, 2021.

[Photo] ¿UT cortará alguna vez los lazos con los combustibles fósiles?

February 10, 2023

A protester chants and holds a sign during a climate action rally on Oct. 26, 2021.

As cost of living in West Campus rises, students seek relief

As cost of living in West Campus rises, students seek relief

Leila Saidane, Projects Reporter November 18, 2022

People know West Campus for its convenient proximity to UT, its massive student population — and over the past few years —  its booming rent prices.   Rent in West Campus hasn’t increased as...

The 2019 UNO revision allows developers to build higher than before in exchange for providing SMART housing. Waterloo Tower stands at 300 ft and allocated 2 floors for income-restricted rooms.

The 2019 UNO revision allows developers to build higher than before in exchange for providing SMART housing. Waterloo Tower stands at 300 ft and allocated 2 floors for income-restricted rooms.

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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin