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

All content by Ren Leija
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.

Nueva despensa comunitaria en West Campus celebra su gran inauguración

Ren Leija and Mariana Flores-Sosa April 12, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 10 de abril  por Ren Leija  y fue traducido al español por Mariana Flores-Sosa. Alrededor de 20 miembros de la comunidad se reunieron...

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.

New West Campus free fridge holds grand opening

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter April 10, 2024

About 20 community members gathered in front of a pink shed housing a refrigerator and pantry last Saturday with coffee and tacos in hand to celebrate the grand opening of a new free fridge in West...

The dark side of the eclipse: Austin to see increased travel, traffic, decreased solar energy

The dark side of the eclipse: Austin to see increased travel, traffic, decreased solar energy

Aaron Sullivan, Ren Leija, and Christian DeBrady April 5, 2024

Austin airport prepares for wave of travelers  Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials urged passengers to stay vigilant when traveling this weekend for the solar eclipse on April 8.  The...

Students line up for catering at Texas Hillels 24th Annual Israel Block Party on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Texas Hillel hosts annual Israel Block Party

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter April 3, 2024

Texas Hillel held its 24th annual Israel Block Party on Tuesday. The event is the largest pro-Israel event on a college campus in North America and aims to “unite and educate the polarized student...

Online graduate students feel isolated from Graduate School convocation, even after new accommodations made

Online graduate students feel isolated from Graduate School convocation, even after new accommodations made

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter March 29, 2024

Graduate student Rick Gray purchased his cap and gown, booked a hotel and even sent out graduation invitations to his family, excitedly preparing for the master’s in Computer and Data Science Online...

West Campus on May 6, 2021.

‘No puedo hacer todo a la misma vez’: Texas fue anunciado como el estado número 1 para qué Generación Z se traslade en busca de empleo, los estudiantes de artes no están de acuerdo

Ren Leija and Diana Villagomez March 25, 2024

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 21 de marzo por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Diana Villagomez. Texas experimentó la mayor afluencia neta de trasplantes...

West Campus on May 6, 2021.

‘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

Texas experienced the largest net gain influx of Generation Z transplants nationwide in 2022, attracting over 76,000 individuals drawn by potential job opportunities and favorable climate conditions,...

People traveling through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

New Austin airport art exhibit highlights endangered wildlife

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter March 21, 2024

Frequent travelers can wind down from the chaotic environment of Austin-Bergstrom International airport at a new art exhibit highlighting endangered species. The Calming Towers, a digital exhibit unveiled...

Senate Bill 4 temporarily paused by federal judge

Senate Bill 4 temporarily paused by federal judge

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter March 8, 2024

The United States Supreme Court temporarily blocked a state law allowing police to prosecute and arrest people suspected of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally from going into effect on Monday.  The...

UT speakers bureau debuted to simplify speaker selection process

UT speakers bureau debuted to simplify speaker selection process

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter March 8, 2024

The University debuted its inaugural speakers bureau, a program aimed at simplifying the process for organizations to access and recruit UT experts and leaders to serve as speakers for events and conferences,...

The Venue on Guadalupe on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Students left to find new housing after roof damage in North Campus apartment

Olivia Dilley and Ren Leija March 5, 2024

Residents in a North Campus apartment were relocated at the end of January due to extensive flood damage, according to property management. The entire sixth floor of The Venue on Guadalupe, along with...

Take what you need, give what you can: Students organize free refrigerator in West Campus

Take what you need, give what you can: Students organize free refrigerator in West Campus

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter March 5, 2024

UT students are establishing a free refrigerator in West Campus as a way to fight food insecurity. Food insecurity is no stranger to University students — 37.7%, of UT students experience some form...

Tomar medidas hoy, para el mañana: El ayuntamiento de Austin reorganiza su plan de inversión en el cambio climático

Tomar medidas hoy, para el mañana: El ayuntamiento de Austin reorganiza su plan de inversión en el cambio climático

Aaron Sullivan, Ren Leija, and Desiree Marquez March 4, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 29 de febrero del 2024 por Aaron Sullivan y Ren Leija, y fue traducido al español por Desiree Marquez. El consejo municipal de Austin...

Taking steps today, for tomorrow: Austin City Council reorganizes climate change investment plan

Taking steps today, for tomorrow: Austin City Council reorganizes climate change investment plan

Aaron Sullivan and Ren Leija March 1, 2024

The Austin City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 15 authorizing the reorganization of the city’s current climate initiatives to make them more manageable — a change the Council said is “urgent”...

La calidad de aire del área de Austin no cumple con los estándares, según las nuevas regulaciones EPA

La calidad de aire del área de Austin no cumple con los estándares, según las nuevas regulaciones EPA

Ren Leija and Jessica Martinez February 28, 2024

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 26 de febrero de 2024 por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Jessica Martinez. La Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) publicó...

Austin area air quality no longer up to standards, according to new EPA regulations

Austin area air quality no longer up to standards, according to new EPA regulations

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter February 27, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency released new, stricter air pollution standards — now ruling that the Austin area no longer meets acceptable air quality levels.  The update is the first change...

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.

El Museo Bullock ofrece todas sus exposiciones ahora en español

Ren Leija and Desiree Marquez February 23, 2024

  Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 21 de febrero del 2024 por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Desiree Marquez.  El museo Bullock de historia del estado...

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.

Bullock Museum makes exhibit displays fully available in Spanish

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter February 22, 2024

The Bullock Texas State History Museum announced in early February its Texas History Galleries are now fully available in English and Spanish, allowing Spanish-speaking visitors to have a comprehensive,...

City Council passes resolution to save summer concert series, keep arts events accessible

City Council passes resolution to save summer concert series, keep arts events accessible

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter February 20, 2024

On Friday, Austin City Limits Radio announced the free summer concert series “Blues on the Green” is back on at Zilker Park after its previous cancellation announcement, after increased funding by...

Texas Supreme Court hears arguments against bill that bans gender-affirming care for youth

Texas Supreme Court hears arguments against bill that bans gender-affirming care for youth

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter February 15, 2024

The Texas Supreme Court heard legal arguments on Jan. 30 regarding Senate Bill 14, a state law prohibiting doctors from prescribing gender-affirming care for transgender youth after a Travis County district...

West Campus rent rates surge amid decrease in Austin-area rent prices

West Campus rent rates surge amid decrease in Austin-area rent prices

Olivia Dilley and Ren Leija February 9, 2024

Austin rent has declined steadily over the past year, but The Daily Texan found rates for one-bedroom apartments in West Campus are 65% higher than Austin’s median cost. A rental report found the...

A person wears a Palestinian flag as protestors rally at the Capitol in support of a ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday.

Thousands gather at Texas Capitol to call for US support of UN top court ruling, ceasefire in Gaza strip

Olivia Dilley and Ren Leija February 6, 2024

Thousands chanted “There’s no justice, there’s no peace!” at the Texas Capitol on Sunday afternoon, calling on the United States to support the top United Nations Court’s order stating that Israel’s...

A community member talks to an Austin Transit Partnership staff member at the partnerships open house on Thursday.

Austin Transit Partnership hosts open house at UT, talks public transportation plans

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter February 2, 2024

The Austin Transit Partnership held an open house at UT Thursday afternoon for students to learn more about the beginning phases of the Austin Light Rail implementation and efforts to secure federal support. Members...

The Texas capitol building on Oct. 4, 2023.

New 2024 laws to be aware of in Texas

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter January 26, 2024

Lawmakers convened at the 88th Texas Legislature’s regular session from January through May 2023, but Gov. Greg Abbott additionally called for four separate special sessions. The fourth special session...

A child chants with the crowd at the All out for Palestine and Yemen protest at the Capitol on Jan. 21, 2024.

‘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

An estimated crowd of 250 people gathered outside the Texas Capitol chanting “Gaza, Gaza don’t you cry, we will never let you die,” on Sunday to advocate for an end to the United States’ aid to...

Division of Diversity and Community Engagement renamed amid SB 17 changes

Division of Diversity and Community Engagement renamed amid SB 17 changes

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter January 19, 2024

The Division of Campus and Community Engagement changed its name to comply with Senate Bill 17, which went into effect on Jan. 1 and prohibits all diversity, equity and inclusion mandatory trainings, offices...

The Texan’s how-to guide to navigating the new, shorter FAFSA

The Texan’s how-to guide to navigating the new, shorter FAFSA

Ren Leija, Senior News Reporter January 16, 2024

A new, shorter version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form launched on Dec. 31. The FAFSA form helps determine a student’s eligibility for aid, including packages such as scholarships,...

Texas Legislature convenes for fourth special session, discusses education, border security

Texas Legislature convenes for fourth special session, discusses education, border security

Ren Leija, General News Reporter November 29, 2023

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation to reconvene the Texas Legislature for another special session on Nov. 7, the fourth one since the end of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in May. The session began...

La Legislatura de Texas organiza una sesión especial para proyectos de ley anti-inmigrantes, esperando su aprobación antes de ser promulgada como ley

La Legislatura de Texas organiza una sesión especial para proyectos de ley anti-inmigrantes, esperando su aprobación antes de ser promulgada como ley

Ren Leija and Hannah Garza November 14, 2023

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 13 de noviembre por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Hannah Garza.  La Legislatura de Texas se reunió en una sesión especial...

Texas Legislature holds special session for anti-immigrant bills, waiting approval before being signed into law

Texas Legislature holds special session for anti-immigrant bills, waiting approval before being signed into law

Ren Leija, General News Reporter November 13, 2023

The Texas Legislature convened for a special session last month to vote and debate on issues including restricting immigration in the state, with bills including House Bill 4, House Bill 6 and Senate Bill...

Fabiola Amaya and Kennedi Davis on Speedway on Aug. 30, 2023.

On The Moov: Students to expand organization assisting students with disabilities in navigating campus

Ren Leija, General News Reporter October 12, 2023

On The Moov, a new student-led initiative at UT, said they plan to expand their services next semester as part of a project increasing accessibility on campus. Before starting the organization, members...

Pesky pests: students struggle to navigate roach, cricket spikes around the University, West Campus

Pesky pests: students struggle to navigate roach, cricket spikes around the University, West Campus

Ren Leija, General News Reporter September 26, 2023

When David Chiles first moved into 21 Rio, he did not expect to room with six-legged critters as well.  Government junior Chiles has struggled with roaches since he moved into his apartment in August. “I...

Di no a los pesticidas, sí a las cabras: la organización sin fines de lucro de Austin usa cabras para controlar las plantas invasoras a lo largo de Lady Bird Lake Trail

Di no a los pesticidas, sí a las cabras: la organización sin fines de lucro de Austin usa cabras para controlar las plantas invasoras a lo largo de Lady Bird Lake Trail

Ren Leija and Amy DonJuan August 10, 2023

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó originalmente el 3 de agosto de 2023, pero algunos datos se actualizaron el 6 de agosto de 2023. Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera...

Say no to pesticides, yes to goats: Austin nonprofit uses goats to manage invasive plants along Lady Bird Lake Trail

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

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Aug. 3, 2023, but some facts were updated on Aug. 6, 2023. Austinites who frequent the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird...

Mooov_2019-08-25_Mooov_in_Eddie

Don’t sweat it: The Texan’s guide for Mooov-In

Ren Leija, General News Reporter July 24, 2023

Mooov-In is a rite of passage for all Longhorns — a time to make new friends, explore your new home and get ready for a great year ahead. But before you start overpacking your bags or stressing out,...

La población hispana de Texas es más alta que nunca, la inscripción de UT aún no refleja el cambio

La población hispana de Texas es más alta que nunca, la inscripción de UT aún no refleja el cambio

Ren Leija and Hannah Garza July 15, 2023

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 6 de julio por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Hannah Garza. En un cambio demográfico significativo, la población hispana...

Texas’ Hispanic population is higher than ever, UT enrollment has yet to reflect change

Texas’ Hispanic population is higher than ever, UT enrollment has yet to reflect change

Ren Leija, General News Reporter July 6, 2023

In a significant demographic shift, Texas’ Hispanic population now outnumbers white Texans. According to the latest data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on July 1, the shifting demographics...

‘Preparar nuestra ciudad para un futuro sostenible’ : líderes de la ciudad aprueban el plan de tren ligero Project Connect

‘Preparar nuestra ciudad para un futuro sostenible’ : líderes de la ciudad aprueban el plan de tren ligero Project Connect

Ren Leija and Jessica Nino June 30, 2023

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 26 de junio por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Jessica Nino. El 6 de junio, los líderes de la ciudad de Austin aprobaron...

‘Prepare our city for a sustainable future’: city leaders approve Project Connect light rail plan

‘Prepare our city for a sustainable future’: city leaders approve Project Connect light rail plan

Ren Leija, General News Reporter June 26, 2023

On June 6, Austin city leaders officially approved Project Connect, the city’s estimated $4.5 to $4.8 billion project. Project Connect would create nearly 10 miles of light rail network and serve...

“Los tejanos merecen Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes organiza una manifestación en defensa de la píldora abortiva

“Los tejanos merecen Planned Parenthood”: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes organiza una manifestación en defensa de la píldora abortiva

Ren Leija and Esteban Elias April 21, 2023

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 17 de abril por Ren Leija y fue traducido al español por Esteban Elias.   Planned Parenthood Texas Votes realizó el pasado viernes...

‘Texans deserve Planned Parenthood’: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes holds rally to advocate for abortion pill

‘Texans deserve Planned Parenthood’: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes holds rally to advocate for abortion pill

Ren Leija, General News Reporter April 17, 2023

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes held a “Bans Off Our Bodies Rally” in favor of making mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill, accessible for Texans last Friday. Planned Parenthood...

FDA approves first nonprescription Naloxone nasal spray for over-the-counter use

FDA approves first nonprescription Naloxone nasal spray for over-the-counter use

Ren Leija, General News Reporter April 13, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter sale and non-prescription use on March 29 in an effort to mitigate...

‘Can you love animals and eat them too?’: Student organization uses satire to promote vegan lifestyles

‘Can you love animals and eat them too?’: Student organization uses satire to promote vegan lifestyles

Ren Leija, General News Reporter April 3, 2023

CW: This article contains sensitive topics about animal cruelty. Hosted by the UT Austin chapter of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, Save Week!, which started last week, is an event dedicated...

Ally accessibility platform allows students to access course material more easily as MP3, ePUB

Ally accessibility platform allows students to access course material more easily as MP3, ePUB

Ren Leija, General News Reporter March 23, 2023

As part of an initiative to improve accessibility for students and faculty, UT integrated the Ally accessibility platform into Canvas on Monday. Ally will provide additional formats for course materials...

‘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

‘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

The Austin chapter of Students for a Democratic Society gathered in front of the UT Tower to rally for reproductive rights on March 8, for International Women’s Day. Students for a Democratic Society...

‘This is what community looks like’: Student organization holds protest for victims of Austin Police Department at the Capitol

‘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

CW: This article mentions police brutality.  A group of student protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol with megaphones in hand, chanting “No justice, no peace!” and “All of the power, to all...

Student creates UT Peach texting service to alert about free food on campus

Student creates UT Peach texting service to alert about free food on campus

Ren Leija, General News Reporter March 3, 2023

Food insecurity is a challenge that many college students face, and UT is no exception. According to the Austin-American Statesman, one in three UT students are food insecure, and some wonder when they...

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.

‘Culture Shock’ talent showcase displays Black student talent

Ren Leija, General News Reporter February 19, 2023

  University students gathered last week to watch Black performers for this year’s Culture Shock, an annual celebration of Black culture and student talent. The African-American Culture...

First Annual Warfield Week honors students who embody legacy of John Lewis Warfield

First Annual Warfield Week honors students who embody legacy of John Lewis Warfield

Ren Leija, General News Reporter February 12, 2023

Student leaders attended the first annual Warfield Awards reception on Feb. 10 to celebrate their accomplishments that embody the legacy of John Lewis Warfield, the former director of UT’s Center for...

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