Investigators may find the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion in West by May 10, the state fire marshal told lawmakers Wednesday.

Texas lawmakers voted against providing additional funds to the state’s 1,505 volunteer fire departments.

Universities would not be able to prohibit students with concealed handgun licenses from storing handguns and ammunition in their vehicles on university property if a proposed law passes the Texas Legislature.

The explosion killed 14 people — including 10 first responders — and injured more than 200 people and demolished several neighboring buildings.

Student leaders and a Texas-based gay rights advocacy group voiced opposition Wednesday to a bill that would allow student organizations to exclude members based on race, gender or sexual orientation.

In response to the UT System Board of Regents' decision to disclose information requested by Texas lawmakers, state senators filed a bill to address regents' adherence to the Texas Public Information Act.

Complying with requests from several Texas lawmakers, the UT System Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to release documents requested by legislators.

UT administrators continue their opposition to allowing concealed handguns on campus after a House committee approved a bill Thursday to permit licensees to carry on university grounds.

Austinites hit by the downpour this week may not realize Texas faces a water shortage that threatens the state’s long-term ability to provide water for citizens and businesses.

The Senate Higher Education Committee voted 4-1 Wednesday to move a bill before the Texas Senate that would limit the power of university boards of regents over individual institutions within a system.

Texas lawmakers must navigate differing philosophies about the proper governance role of regents within a university system.

Students who receive forgivable loans under the B-On-Time program receive something in addition — an income tax form.

The Senate of College Councils showed unanimous support Thursday for legislation to limit the powers of university system boards of regents.

A joint legislative committee requests information from UT System Board of Regents to investigate allegations of “micromanaging”. 

In response to allegations that the UT System Board of Regents is micromanaging administrative decisions, Texas state legislators hope to pass a bill that would limit regents' authority over the individual institutions they govern.

Spring break saw a reaffirmation of the UT System’s opposition to guns on campus and legislative action that may determine how the state would fund UT.

The University’s work-study program may face cuts after the federal government failed to agree to a plan that would forestall $85 billion in automatic budget cuts, commonly referred to as sequestration.

Austin’s recent bag ban could face an early demise if the Texas Legislature approves a bill that would abolish it.

A law school may join the proposed consolidated UT System institution in the Rio Grande Valley despite claims by the state’s higher education agency that Texas does not immediately need another law school.

Fixed-rate tuition has been implemented at UT System institutions with varying success

UT System Board of Regents board chairman Gene Powell released a statement saying Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s remarks that the regents are allegedly micromanaging UT “surely had to be the result of misinformation and were either incorrect or inaccurate.”

The Texas Legislature is considering passing bills filed in both houses that would combine University of Texas at Brownsville, UT-Pan American in Edinburg and the Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen into one institution and give that institution access to the Permanent University Fund.

"I see a man who always puts the University first, someone who stands up for what he believes even if it may not be politically popular” said State Sen. Kevin Efilte, R-Tyler.

While Texas is currently on track to reach targets intended to improve higher education in the state, some hurdles remain.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is asking the Texas Legislature to allocate $719.6 million to the TEXAS Grant Program. Currently, the program only gives grants to 22 percent of eligible freshmen. With the new changes, the program could reach up to 90 percent of freshmen.

Texas lawmakers heard testimony Thursday about the impact of a proposed consolidated UT System school in the Rio Grande Valley.

No clear answer received on how a $25.2 million grant wound up in the pockets of a now-defunct nonprofit.

City and transportation officials released a transit plan intended to unite the Central Texas region Friday.

Gov. Rick Perry reaffirmed his support for freezing four-year tuition rates for incoming freshmen in his biannual State of the State address yesterday.

Every legislative session, higher education officials testify before the Legislature to vouch for funding, explain projects and provide insight into legislative proposals on higher education policy.

A freshman representative’s bill gives the Texas Legislature a bill in both houses that would allow concealed firearms on university campuses.

On Friday, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst named the seven members of the Senate Higher Education Committee, which is expected to deal with topics that will directly impact the University.

UT officials are closely watching a number of bills in the Texas Legislature that could impact the University’s long-term planning.

Higher education funding may change before the Legislature approves the final budget.

Released proposals mark possible adoption of about $187 billion for the upcoming biennium.

UT aims to hire a nationally-recognized medical professional as the inaugural dean for a planned medical school by fall 2013.

A bill in the Texas Senate could help fund the construction of a new building for the Cockrell School of Engineering by allowing the UT System Board of Regents to issue bonds for the project.

A bill in the Texas Senate would allow students to purchase textbooks without paying sales tax during two 10-day periods every year.

Lucio’s legislative director Houston Tower said the region’s distance from law schools in Austin, San Antonio and Houston discourages residents from attending those schools.

The court is expected to rule on Central Health’s request to dismiss the case at a later date.

A fraternity may pay a local private school up to $25,000 to relocate the former home of a UT physics professor to the school’s property.

The union representing bus drivers on about half of Capital Metro’s 83 routes voted last week to authorize a potential strike.

The Austin City Council unanimously approved amendments to a city ordinance passed earlier this year banning businesses’ use of plastic bags.

UT is one step closer to establishing a medical school after voters approved a ballot initiative Tuesday.

The City of Austin’s general election may move from May to November and institute new term limits for the mayor and city council members if voters approve two ballot initiatives Nov. 6.

Student Government voted Tuesday to make way for a new effort that will support Proposition 1. 

The founder of a political action committee that opposes Proposition 1 said UT could fund its proposed medical school and teaching hospital without the property tax increase proposed in Proposition 1.

Representatives from 20 UT student organizations and the alumni assocation Texas Exes rallied to express support Friday.

The St. David’s HealthCare network, a Central Texas hospital system with branches in Travis County, will not support a ballot initiative that would help fund a proposed UT teaching hospital and medical school.

A lawsuit could prevent voting on a ballot initiative that seeks to help fund operations at a proposed UT teaching hospital if a federal court sides against Central Health, Travis County’s hospital district.

Lance Armstrong resigned as the chairman of Livestrong, his foundation dedicated to fighting cancer, in a statement issued Wednesday amidst mounting evidence that the award-winning cyclist used performance-enhancing drugs.

If voters approve the initiative, the proposed medical school would join six health institutions operated by the UT System in Dallas, Houston, Tyler, San Antonio and Galveston.

The Austin Planning Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to recommend denying historical status to the former home of a UT physics professor.

Abortion and family planning services including birth control pills and emergency contraceptives will not be available at a proposed UT teaching hospital because of the operator’s religious beliefs.

Students in organizations representing both sides of the aisle hope U.S. Senate candidates Ted Cruz and Paul Sadler will address the cost of higher education and health care reform.

UT officials met Friday and presented additions to the campus master plan designed to make UT more environmentally friendly.

UT's ranking sits beneath Texas A&M University and the University of Texas El Paso