All content by Ren Leija
![Austin PD set to receive budget increase, EMS looks for additional resources](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/072524_police-budget_Courtesy-of-City-of-Austin-1200x735.jpg)
Austin PD set to receive budget increase, EMS looks for additional resources
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• July 26, 2024
![The Texas State Capitol in Austin on July 14, 2024.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/071824_Project-25_RicardoLopez-1200x800.jpg)
The Texan explains: What is Project 2025?
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• July 19, 2024
![Artificial intelligence may strain Texas power grid](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/03-05-24_ai-power-grid_Colin-Day-1200x927.png)
Artificial intelligence may strain Texas power grid
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• July 9, 2024
![Biden Administration announces new protections for undocumented spouses of US citizens, DACA recipients](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/daca_2018-02-21_DACA_Protest_Nikita.Sveshnikov22830.jpg)
Biden Administration announces new protections for undocumented spouses of US citizens, DACA recipients
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• July 4, 2024
![People in the lobby of the Austin Convention Center during South by Southwest on March 15, 2024. March 15 was the final day of conferences for the festival.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/031524_out-and-about-02_KW-1200x800.jpg)
SXSW cuts ties with US Army, weapons manufacturers
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 28, 2024
![Supreme Court rules abortion pill will remain on the market in first abortion ruling since overturning Roe v. Wade](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-29-23_AbortionPills_BreyonaMitchell-900x900.png)
Supreme Court rules abortion pill will remain on the market in first abortion ruling since overturning Roe v. Wade
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 28, 2024
![Opioids_2017-04-05_Ken Paxton_Mary](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Opioids_2017-04-05_Ken-Paxton_Mary.Pistorius42477.jpg)
‘The community is scattered’: Texas federal judge blocks Title IX anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 28, 2024
![A staff member walks into the Austin Pets Alive John Davenport Building on April 10, 2024.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/062424_APA-Union_SkylerSharp-1200x800.jpg)
Austin Pets Alive employees vote to unionize, forming largest U.S. animal shelter union
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 25, 2024
![With rising rates of heat-related illnesses, know risks this summer](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/061724_Stay-Cool_Cover_Christopher-Lopez-1200x1200.jpg)
With rising rates of heat-related illnesses, know risks this summer
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 18, 2024
![The tower on July 7, 2023.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/071323_Tower_LorianneWillett-1200x800.jpg)
UT lays off communications employees amid protests, DEI changes
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 18, 2024
![An employee stands outside Wheatsville Co-op on Guadalupe Street on Thursday.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/061324_Wheatsville_Charlotte-Keene-1200x697.jpg)
Wheatsville Co-op closing Guadalupe Street location after 43 years
Erika Pernis and Ren Leija
• June 13, 2024
![Austin Light Rail begins Project Development phase](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/061324_Light-Rail-Funding_Alexa-Zimmermann-1200x1200.jpg)
Austin Light Rail begins Project Development phase
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 13, 2024
![The tower on July 7, 2023.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/071323_Tower_LorianneWillett-1200x800.jpg)
UT mandates staff for full-time on-site work beginning fall semester
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• June 12, 2024
![Law enforcement channels protesters past Sutton Hall on Wednesday during the pro-Palestine protest.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-24-24_PalestineProtest_ManooSirivelu-1-1200x800.jpg)
Students, faculty, law enforcement clash at pro-Palestine protest
Ren Leija, Naina Srivastava, and Maryam Ahmed
• April 24, 2024
![Hundreds of UT Austin students, faculty gather on campus for pro-Palestine protest](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5619-1200x801.jpg)
Hundreds of UT Austin students, faculty gather on campus for pro-Palestine protest
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• April 24, 2024
![Austin poet advocates for adult poet laureate program](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/042324_poet-laureate_Emma-G-George-1200x1200.jpeg)
Austin poet advocates for adult poet laureate program
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• April 23, 2024
![Maya Crane, a government and Mexican American and Latino studies sophomore, is pictured in front of the West Campus free fridge on April 6, 2024. Crane and a group of volunteers built and installed the structure behind Pearl Street Co-op.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-6-24_atx-free-fridge_naina-srivastava-1200x800.jpg)
New West Campus free fridge holds grand opening
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• April 10, 2024
![Students line up for catering at Texas Hillels 24th Annual Israel Block Party on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-2-24_BlockParty_ManooSirivelu-1-1200x781.jpg)
Texas Hillel hosts annual Israel Block Party
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• April 3, 2024
![Online graduate students feel isolated from Graduate School convocation, even after new accommodations made](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/03-28-24_left-out-graduates_Michele-Pinilla-1200x1200.png)
Online graduate students feel isolated from Graduate School convocation, even after new accommodations made
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 29, 2024
![West Campus on May 6, 2021.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2021-05-06-UT_West_Campus_Joshua.Guenther8251b-1200x800.jpg)
‘I can’t do everything all at once’: Texas announced as No. 1 state for Gen Z to move to for jobs, fine arts students disagree
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 21, 2024
![People traveling through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24_AirportArt_MakenzieLong-1200x800.jpg)
New Austin airport art exhibit highlights endangered wildlife
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 21, 2024
![Senate Bill 4 temporarily paused by federal judge](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-7-24_SB4unconstitutional_JacksonGibo.jpeg)
Senate Bill 4 temporarily paused by federal judge
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 8, 2024
![UT speakers bureau debuted to simplify speaker selection process](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-7-24_universityspeakers_CassandraOzuna.png)
UT speakers bureau debuted to simplify speaker selection process
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 8, 2024
![Take what you need, give what you can: Students organize free refrigerator in West Campus](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/03-04-24_free-fridge_Carla-Garcia-Leija-1200x889.png)
Take what you need, give what you can: Students organize free refrigerator in West Campus
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• March 5, 2024
![Austin area air quality no longer up to standards, according to new EPA regulations](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02-26-24_Poor-air-quality_Carla-Garcia-Leija-1200x800.png)
Austin area air quality no longer up to standards, according to new EPA regulations
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• February 27, 2024
![Museum goers exit the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Wednesday. The museum now has all 16,000 years of Texas history available in English and Spanish.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-21-24_SpanishBullockMuseum_CocoBecker-1200x801.jpg)
El Museo Bullock ofrece todas sus exposiciones ahora en español
Ren Leija and Desiree Marquez
• February 23, 2024
![Museum goers exit the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Wednesday. The museum now has all 16,000 years of Texas history available in English and Spanish.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-21-24_SpanishBullockMuseum_CocoBecker-1200x801.jpg)
Bullock Museum makes exhibit displays fully available in Spanish
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• February 22, 2024
![City Council passes resolution to save summer concert series, keep arts events accessible](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02-15-24_summer-concert_Teagan-Jensen-1200x838.png)
City Council passes resolution to save summer concert series, keep arts events accessible
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• February 20, 2024
![A protester holds up a transgender pride flag during a rally at the Capitol on March 27, 2023.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/032723_TransRightsRally_LorianneWillett-1200x800.jpg)
Texas Supreme Court hears arguments against bill that bans gender-affirming care for youth
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• February 15, 2024
![West Campus rent rates surge amid decrease in Austin-area rent prices](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-8-24_Renting_KirtiMoteka-1-1200x694.jpg)
West Campus rent rates surge amid decrease in Austin-area rent prices
Olivia Dilley and Ren Leija
• February 9, 2024
![A community member talks to an Austin Transit Partnership staff member at the partnerships open house on Thursday.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-1-24_atp_naina-srivastava-1200x800.jpg)
Austin Transit Partnership hosts open house at UT, talks public transportation plans
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• February 2, 2024
![The Texas capitol building on Oct. 4, 2023.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10-04-23_Capitol_ManooSirivelu-53-1200x800.jpg)
New 2024 laws to be aware of in Texas
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• January 26, 2024
![A child chants with the crowd at the All out for Palestine and Yemen protest at the Capitol on Jan. 21, 2024.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1-21-24_PalestineYemenProtest_Charlotte-Keene-1200x631.jpg)
‘We will never let you die!’: Protesters march at Texas Capitol, calling for ceasefire in Palestine, support for Yemen
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• January 22, 2024
![Division of Diversity and Community Engagement renamed amid SB 17 changes](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1-18-24_dcce_Breyona-Mitchell-1200x394.png)
Division of Diversity and Community Engagement renamed amid SB 17 changes
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• January 19, 2024
![The Texan’s how-to guide to navigating the new, shorter FAFSA](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fafsastruggle-1200x1200.png)
The Texan’s how-to guide to navigating the new, shorter FAFSA
Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter
• January 16, 2024
![Texas Legislature convenes for fourth special session, discusses education, border security](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11-29-23_special-session_Jamie-Hwang-1-1200x800.jpeg)
Texas Legislature convenes for fourth special session, discusses education, border security
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• November 29, 2023
![Texas Legislature holds special session for anti-immigrant bills, waiting approval before being signed into law](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11-13-23_anti-immigration-bill_Rong-Hua-Wang-1200x841.png)
Texas Legislature holds special session for anti-immigrant bills, waiting approval before being signed into law
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• November 13, 2023
![Fabiola Amaya and Kennedi Davis on Speedway on Aug. 30, 2023.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/8-30-23_OnTheMoov_LorianneWillett-2-1200x800.jpg)
On The Moov: Students to expand organization assisting students with disabilities in navigating campus
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• October 12, 2023
![Pesky pests: students struggle to navigate roach, cricket spikes around the University, West Campus](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kenzie-Azbill_west-campus-roaches_9-26-23-1171x1200.jpeg)
Pesky pests: students struggle to navigate roach, cricket spikes around the University, West Campus
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• September 26, 2023
![Say no to pesticides, yes to goats: Austin nonprofit uses goats to manage invasive plants along Lady Bird Lake Trail](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/034CF7B6-4659-4673-8017-73F7350DBA07.jpg)
Say no to pesticides, yes to goats: Austin nonprofit uses goats to manage invasive plants along Lady Bird Lake Trail
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• August 3, 2023
![Mooov_2019-08-25_Mooov_in_Eddie](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mooov_2019-08-25_Mooov_in_Eddie.Gaspar18943.jpg)
Don’t sweat it: The Texan’s guide for Mooov-In
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• July 24, 2023
![Texas’ Hispanic population is higher than ever, UT enrollment has yet to reflect change](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_0029-1200x800.png)
Texas’ Hispanic population is higher than ever, UT enrollment has yet to reflect change
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• July 6, 2023
![‘Prepare our city for a sustainable future’: city leaders approve Project Connect light rail plan](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Austin-Light-Rail-Implementation-Plan-900x582.jpg)
‘Prepare our city for a sustainable future’: city leaders approve Project Connect light rail plan
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• June 26, 2023
![‘Texans deserve Planned Parenthood’: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes holds rally to advocate for abortion pill](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4-17-23_PPRally_AssadMalik-900x600.jpg)
‘Texans deserve Planned Parenthood’: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes holds rally to advocate for abortion pill
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• April 17, 2023
![FDA approves first nonprescription Naloxone nasal spray for over-the-counter use](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4-13-23_Overdose_KirtiMoteka-900x573.jpeg)
FDA approves first nonprescription Naloxone nasal spray for over-the-counter use
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• April 13, 2023
![‘Can you love animals and eat them too?’: Student organization uses satire to promote vegan lifestyles](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4-3_23_dogmeat_Amara-Lopez-675x900.png)
‘Can you love animals and eat them too?’: Student organization uses satire to promote vegan lifestyles
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• April 3, 2023
![Ally accessibility platform allows students to access course material more easily as MP3, ePUB](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-23-23_AllyCanvas_GraceCao-1-900x499.jpeg)
Ally accessibility platform allows students to access course material more easily as MP3, ePUB
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• March 23, 2023
![‘Health care is a human right, that is why we have to fight’: Students hold rally at UT Tower on International Women’s Day for reproductive rights](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-8-2023_SDSProtest_YoungHe-900x600.jpg)
‘Health care is a human right, that is why we have to fight’: Students hold rally at UT Tower on International Women’s Day for reproductive rights
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• March 10, 2023
![‘This is what community looks like’: Student organization holds protest for victims of Austin Police Department at the Capitol](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-6-23_SFRProtest_CourtesyOfMichaelLewinbuk-900x598.jpg)
‘This is what community looks like’: Student organization holds protest for victims of Austin Police Department at the Capitol
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• March 7, 2023
![Student creates UT Peach texting service to alert about free food on campus](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-2-23_PeachApp_TeresaDo-900x900.png)
Student creates UT Peach texting service to alert about free food on campus
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• March 3, 2023
![A performer dances at the Culture Shock: Tournament of Champions at the University of Texas at Austin on Feb. 15, 2023. The event showcased talent through various performances from Black Students.](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-16-23_CultureShock_YoungHe-900x599.jpg)
‘Culture Shock’ talent showcase displays Black student talent
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• February 19, 2023
![First Annual Warfield Week honors students who embody legacy of John Lewis Warfield](https://thedailytexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_6139-900x506.jpg)
First Annual Warfield Week honors students who embody legacy of John Lewis Warfield
Ren Leija, General News Reporter
• February 12, 2023