Skip to Main Content
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

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter

Matthew is a government senior from Houston, Texas. Currently, he covers the city, politics and the election. In his free time, he enjoys reading and doing the New York Times games.

All content by Matthew Gomez
El senador Ted Cruz gana la reelección

El senador Ted Cruz gana la reelección

Matthew Gomez and Desiree Marquez November 6, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 5 de noviembre del 2024 por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Desiree Marquez.  El senador Ted Cruz ganó su candidatura...

Sen. Ted Cruz wins reelection

Sen. Ted Cruz wins reelection

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter November 5, 2024

Sen. Ted Cruz won his reelection bid against Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred, election results platform Decision Desk announced Tuesday at about 9:30 p.m. Cruz held a 53.1% to 44.5% lead...

A group of students walk across Guadalupe near the Texas Union on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024.

LIVE UPDATES: Texas, nation wait for US general election results

Updated Nov. 7, 10:39 p.m. Nov. 7 10:39 a.m.: President Joe Biden called and congratulated President-elect Donald Trump, Biden said in an address to the nation. Biden said he told his administration...

Austin City Hall on Sept. 12, 2023.

City of Austin opens rent assistance application

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter November 4, 2024

In partnership with multiple community organizations, the city of Austin reopened a rent assistance application on Friday to help Austin residents manage the affordable housing crisis. The application...

Students wait in line to early vote at the Texas Union on Oct. 22, 2024.

Comienza la Votación anticipada en el Condado de Travis

Matthew Gomez and Jessica Nino October 28, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 24 de octubre por Matthew Gomez  y fue traducido al español por Jessica Nino.  La votación anticipada alcanzó números récord...

Austin City Council approves new police contract in a 10-1 vote

Austin City Council approves new police contract in a 10-1 vote

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 25, 2024

Austin City Council approved a new five-year police contract during its Thursday meeting.  Austin city manager T.C. Broadnax announced Sept. 23 the city and the Austin Police Association had reached...

Texas Senate race: A look at the candidates

Texas Senate race: A look at the candidates

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 24, 2024

Rep. Colin Allred and Sen. Ted Cruz are both nearing the end of their campaigns for a Texas seat in the U.S. Senate as early voting began in Texas on Oct. 21. The Daily Texan reached out to both campaigns...

Students wait in line to early vote at the Texas Union on Oct. 22, 2024.

Travis County early voting kicks off

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 24, 2024

Early voting reached record-breaking numbers in its first days in Travis County.  Over 145,000 people have voted in Travis County since early voting began on Oct. 21, according to the Travis County...

Mayor Kirk Watson and David Hogg speak to a crowd outside West Mall on Oct. 22, 2024. Watson and Hogg held a rally with University Democrats and Students Demand Action two weeks before election day.

LBJ School of Public Affairs hosts conversation about future of gun control legislation

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 23, 2024

Gun violence activists discussed the successes gun control legislation had in preventing violent crimes at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library on Tuesday.  The LBJ Future Forum hosted the conversation...

The Texan’s guide to voting: What local positions are on Austin’s ballot and who is on Texas’ ballot

The Texan’s guide to voting: What local positions are on Austin’s ballot and who is on Texas’ ballot

Riley Walsh and Matthew Gomez October 21, 2024

In addition to the Presidential and Texas Senate races, Travis County and Austin residents will vote on a wide range of positions this election season. The Daily Texan compiled candidate information for...

Ken Paxton speaking in 2017

El Fiscal General de Texas solicita asistencia federal para identificar a posibles votantes no ciudadanos

Matthew Gomez and Maria Gomez October 19, 2024

Nota de editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 17 de octubre de 2024 por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido por Maria Gomez.  El Fiscal General de Texas Ken Paxton firmó una carta junto...

El senador Ted Cruz y el representante Colin Allred se enfrentan en el debate del senado

El senador Ted Cruz y el representante Colin Allred se enfrentan en el debate del senado

Matthew Gomez and Mariana Flores-Sosa October 19, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 16 de octubre  por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Mariana Flores-Sosa. El senador Ted Cruz y el representante Colin...

Governor Greg Abbott sings "The Eyes of Texas" onstage during a tailgate for the UT-Georgia football game at the Governor's Mansion on Oct. 18, 2024.

The night before the Georgia game in the governor’s house

Lauren Hightower, Matthew Gomez, and Liv Elizondo October 18, 2024

On the eve of the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs, a wave of burnt orange covered the governor’s front lawn. Bevo and the Longhorn Band welcomed Texas and Georgia officials to kick off the weekend's...

Ken Paxton speaking in 2017

Texas Attorney General requests federal assistance identifying potential noncitizen voters

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 17, 2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton co-signed a letter with 16 state attorneys general on Monday asking the federal government to provide registered voters’ citizenship status.  Paxton joined the...

Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Colin Allred face-off in Senate debate

Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Colin Allred face-off in Senate debate

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 16, 2024

Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred met in Dallas on Tuesday to discuss multiple voter issues in the first and only senate race debate.  During the hour-long debate, the two candidates answered...

APD_1027_2017-10-26_Anthony

City of Austin reaches tentative police contract agreement, council members call for more clarity

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 10, 2024

Austin City Council members voiced concerns following the Sept. 23 announcement of a new five-year tentative police contract agreement between the city and Austin Police Association.  Council Member...

Riley Gaines holds up a sign with an audience at the Young Conservatives meeting on Oct. 3, 2024.

Young Conservatives host ‘Take back Title IX’ talk

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 4, 2024

Title IX and the future of women’s sports were the focus of a talk hosted on Oct. 3 by Young Conservatives, a UT student political organization.  Riley Gaines, a former Division I All-American athlete...

El gobernador Tim Walz y el senador J.D. Vance se enfrentan en el debate vicepresidencial

El gobernador Tim Walz y el senador J.D. Vance se enfrentan en el debate vicepresidencial

Matthew Gomez  and Angela Garcia October 3, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 2 de octubre por Matthew Gomez  y fue traducido al español por Angela Garcia. El senador J.D. Vance y el gobernador de Minnesota,...

Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance meet in vice presidential debate

Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance meet in vice presidential debate

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter October 2, 2024

Sen. J.D. Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz met for the first time during the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, just over a month away from Election Day.  The two vice presidential candidates...

The 2024 Austin mayoral candidates are introduced to the audience at Austin PBS on Sept. 25, 2024. Left to right: Jeffrey Bowen, Doug Greco, Carmen Llanes Pulido, Kathie Tovo, and Mayor Kirk Watson.

Mayoral candidates discuss policy during forum hosted by LBJ School, Austin PBS

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 26, 2024

All five Austin mayoral candidates discussed police policy and housing affordability at a forum on Sept. 25. Moderators Francheska Castillo, a reporter at Univision 62, and Kylee Howard, news editor...

Dan Patrick announces second round of priorities for 89th Legislative Session

Dan Patrick announces second round of priorities for 89th Legislative Session

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 22, 2024

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Sept. 10 an additional list of priorities for multiple Texas Senate committees. The new priorities include examining programs and certifications “that maintain discriminatory...

President Jay Hartzell gives his 2024 State of the University Address in the Hogg Memorial Auditorium on Sept 18, 2024. Hartzell set out his plans and vision for the next five years.

El Presidente de UT pronuncia el discurso sobre el estado de la universidad

Matthew Gomez and Mariana Flores-Sosa September 21, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 18 de septiembre por Matthew Gomez  y fue traducido al español por Mariana Flores-Sosa. Los tres “temas centrales” de la Universidad...

President Jay Hartzell gives his 2024 State of the University Address in the Hogg Memorial Auditorium on Sept 18, 2024. Hartzell set out his plans and vision for the next five years.

UT President delivers State of the University speech

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 18, 2024

The University’s three “core themes” include enabling student success, growing depth and broadening the University’s resources and recruiting “lead-talent” faculty and students, President...

The tower on July 7, 2023.

Dean of Students announces new response team, provides guidelines for on-campus protests

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 16, 2024

Dean of Students Katie McGee announced a new Event Readiness and Response team on Sept. 16.  This announcement comes after the University began disciplinary proceedings last summer for some students...

Austin Energy launches new AI wildfire detection system

Austin Energy launches new AI wildfire detection system

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 12, 2024

Austin became the first city in Texas to fully deploy a new artificial intelligence detection system aimed to spot and notify first responders of smoke and fires, Austin Energy announced Aug. 29.  The...

Debate party attendees cheer at a rebuttal made by vice-president Kamala Harris towards former president Donald Trump during last Tuesday’s presidential debate.

Students tune in to presidential debate at various watch parties

Erika Pernis, Naina Srivastava, and Matthew Gomez September 11, 2024

As former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first official debate of the election season, UT students attended various watch parties on campus and in West Campus. Pizza...

Trump and Harris take stage in first presidential debate

Trump and Harris take stage in first presidential debate

Erika Pernis, Naina Srivastava, and Matthew Gomez September 11, 2024

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first presidential debate Tuesday night, less than two months away from the election. The two candidates spoke about...

On Sept. 7, 2024, The Texas Tribune Festival housing affordability panel featured city council member Canessa Fuentes, Tribune reporter Joshua Fetcher, Texas 2036 executive VP A.J. Rodriguez, Real Estate Council of Austin VP Alina Carnahan and UT Urban Lab Director Steven Pedigo.

Through the roof: officials on state of housing affordability, availability

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 7, 2024

City of Austin officials and local leaders spoke about state solutions to the affordable housing crisis within Austin during a panel at this year’s Texas Tribune Festival.  Hosted at the festival’s...

An audience member poses a question during the "Future of Local Control" panel at the Tribune Festival on Sept. 6, 2024.

City officials speak about ‘the future of local control’ in Texas

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 6, 2024

Texas' biggest cities are having trouble addressing local issues due to state interference, Travis and Harris County politicians said Friday during a panel during this year’s Texas Tribune Festival. The...

Austin City staff remove amendments from November ballot

Austin City staff remove amendments from November ballot

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 3, 2024

The city of Austin announced on Aug. 30 that 13 charter amendments initially approved by the Austin City Council will no longer appear on the November ballot following a lawsuit filed last month by the...

Austin Energy provides update after power outages

Austin Energy provides update after power outages

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter September 2, 2024

Austin Energy has deployed a permanent fix to a transformer substation following a power outage experienced in Southwest Austin, including the West Campus area.  On the evening of Aug. 22, 6,400 residents...

The UT Tower on June 10, 2024.

UT claims pro-Palestine protests-related academic freedom evaluation omits critical information

Naina Srivastava, Erika Pernis, and Matthew Gomez August 26, 2024

The University said that criticisms from an academic freedom evaluation omitted “critical information” and contained several inaccuracies in an Aug. 20 letter.  In July, the UT Faculty Council’s...

Austin City Hall on Sept. 12, 2023.

Austin City Council approves largest budget to date

Matthew Gomez, Senior News Reporter August 23, 2024

The Austin City Council approved a $5.9 billion budget on Aug. 14. Proposed in June, the fiscal year 2024-25 budget is the largest in the city’s history.  The $5.9 billion budget includes investments...

A civilian speaks up in support of funding for Austin City Parks during the City Council’s budget presentation by City Manager T.C. Broadnax on Friday.

City of Austin proposes record-high $5.9 billion budget

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter July 14, 2024

Last week, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax and city staff laid out their proposal for next year's city budget, increasing it by $400 million to $5.9 billion.  The budget process has changed since...

Texas Spirit dances in front of Littlefield Fountain on June 30, 2024.

La universidad organiza una celebración por su inducción oficial a la SEC

Matthew Gomez and Dieter Kingwergs July 6, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 1 de julio del 2024 por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Dieter Kingwergs. La Universidad organizó un evento público...

Texas Spirit dances in front of Littlefield Fountain on June 30, 2024.

University hosts celebration for official induction into SEC

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter July 1, 2024

The University hosted a free public event on Sunday to celebrate its move into the Southeastern Conference. The celebration included a parade, carnival games and a free Pitbull concert in front of...

A police officer warns protesters to make space as an organizer is held down and zip-tied on UT's Main Mall during the pro-Palestine student walkout on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Letters from American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, student protesters address University disciplinary notices

Matthew Gomez and Erika Pernis June 24, 2024

A group of arrested student protesters and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas wrote letters to the University in response to the disciplinary notices sent to students arrested during April’s...

Members of an encampment on April 29 link arms as police officers work their way through the crowd in attempt to disperse the circle on UT Austin's campus.

UT sends second wave of student conduct disciplinary notices to pro-Palestine protesters

Matthew Gomez and Erika Pernis June 20, 2024

The University sent out a second round of disciplinary notices on June 14 to students arrested during April’s pro-Palestine protests. This week’s notices mirrored the previous letters said senior...

Protesters stand as they are arrested during a protest on the University of Texas campus on April  24, 2024.

University begins investigations for students arrested during on-campus protests

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter June 10, 2024

Several students arrested during April’s pro-Palestine protests received letters from the University stating they are under investigation for actions taken during the events. In a letter obtained...

The UT Tower on May 10, 2024.

UT professors join lawsuit against Biden administration

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter June 10, 2024

Two UT professors joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against President Joe Biden and his administration last month over the expansion of Title IX protections.  The education department...

Carmen Llanes Pulido (top left), Kathie Tovo (top right), Kirk Watson (bottom left), Doug Greco (bottom right)

Who’s on the ballot for Austin mayor?

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter April 24, 2024

Mayor Kirk Watson announced his bid to run for re-election on April 10, making him the fourth candidate to enter the race. The other candidates are Carmen Llanes Pulido, Doug Greco and Kathie Tovo.  Kirk...

'Una bola de fuego que respira': UT presencia el primer eclipse solar total desde el año 1397

‘Una bola de fuego que respira’: UT presencia el primer eclipse solar total desde el año 1397

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 8 de abril del 2024 por Erika Pernis, Emma Nguyen, Matthew Gomez y Pili Saravia, y fue traducido al español por Desiree Marquez. Miles...

‘Breathing ball of fire’: UT witnesses first total solar eclipse since 1397

‘Breathing ball of fire’: UT witnesses first total solar eclipse since 1397

Thousands of viewers, from the UT community and beyond, gathered on campus Monday to watch the first total solar eclipse in Austin since 1397. 11:00 “Here Comes the Sun'' by The Beatles blared...

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.

Hartzell dismisses Teaching Assistants’ final grievance

Pili Saravia and Matthew Gomez April 3, 2024

After the University dismissed two teaching assistants from their positions in November for sending a Canvas message about the Israel-Hamas war, they spent the next four months defending their case to...

Austin city staff shares plan for future development of Lady Bird Lake

Austin city staff shares plan for future development of Lady Bird Lake

Matthew Gomez and Angela Santos March 24, 2024

The Austin City Planning Commission unveiled a new plan to further develop a city district surrounding Lady Bird Lake at a series of community meetings asking for feedback held throughout February and...

La guía del Texan para el eclipse total

La guía del Texan para el eclipse total

Matthew Gomez and Jessica Nino March 22, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 21 de marzo por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Jessica Nino.  La ciudad de Austin y UT están haciendo preparativos...

Rezoning of J.J. Pickle brings possibility of development

Rezoning of J.J. Pickle brings possibility of development

Matthew Gomez and Abby Breyfogle March 22, 2024

The Austin City Council voted in favor of rezoning the J.J. Pickle Research Campus as a life sciences lab and biomedical zone to expand on- and off-campus developments on March 21. J.J. Pickle Research...

The Texan's guide to the total eclipse

The Texan’s guide to the total eclipse

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter March 20, 2024

The city of Austin and UT are making preparations for a full solar eclipse on April 8. Austin will experience its first total eclipse since 1397 with the next total eclipse for the city not expected...

UT excede los mil millones de dólares en gastos de investigación

UT excede los mil millones de dólares en gastos de investigación

Matthew Gomez and Jessica Nino March 9, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 4 de marzo por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Jessica Nino.  La universidad proporcionó recientemente datos que muestran...

Nueva red de sostenibilidad fundada por Texas Exes

Nueva red de sostenibilidad fundada por Texas Exes

Matthew Gomez and Jessica Martinez March 8, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 6 de marzo de 2024 por Matthew Gomez y fue traducido al español por Jessica Martinez. Texas Exes comenzó una red de sostenibilidad...

New sustainability network founded by Texas Exes

New sustainability network founded by Texas Exes

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter March 6, 2024

Texas Exes started a sustainability network last month to connect environmentally-conscious UT alumni.  The Sustainability Alumni Network officially launched on Feb. 15 with the goal of bringing...

UT exceeds $1 billion in research expenditures

UT exceeds $1 billion in research expenditures

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter March 4, 2024

The University recently provided data showing research expenditures at UT passed $1 billion for the first time in the 2023 fiscal year.  The data came from the Higher Education Research and Development...

Dr. Maria Croyle (left) stands inside her analytical laboratory in the College of Pharmacy building on Feb. 15, 2024. Dr. Allan MacDonald (right) smiles for a portrait.

UT professors awarded $500,000 for scientific research

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter February 19, 2024

Two UT professors received $500,000 in funding through the inaugural Hill Prize for their research and advancements in the scientific field, the University announced on Feb. 5. Lydia Hill Philanthropies...

Longhorn EMS officers (left to right) Sharon Rong, Arvind Subramanian, Brandon Galvan on Feb. 8, 2024.

UT student organization creates first aid outpost in Jester

Matthew Gomez, General News Reporter February 14, 2024

A student organization aims to provide first aid supplies to students for free at a newly opened outpost in Jester.  Located across from the Jester Java cafe, the first aid outpost opened on Feb. 1....

Activate Search
Matthew Gomez