The first lawsuits have been filed against West Fertilizer Co.’s parent company Adair Grain, Inc. following the deadly explosion on April 17.

Should a public university be funded primarily by public money?

HB 5 would backtrack on Texas’ recent success in mathematics education.

District Judge Sam Sparks of Austin rejected efforts to get the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue license plates bearing the Confederate battle flag.

Just a handful of UT students grew up in West, but hundreds drive through the town on weekend trips home and excursions north.

"Although nobody was injured as a result of Lehmberg's drunk driving, her violation of such and important and serious law is enough to warrant her resignation." The Editorial Board responds to the arrest of Travis County district attorney Rosemary Lehmberg for drunk driving.

What exactly is a Tuition Revenue Bond (TRB)? The Texas Senate’s website offers a mouthful of a definition.

The holistic element of UT’s admissions policy, despite the claims of both its supporters and critics, does not actually increase minority enrollment.

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

Despite recent rain storms in Austin, Texas is in the throes of a long-term drought.

Here’s an arithmetic problem: While back-to-school shopping, Dave gives his son Pete $10 to buy a calculator.

What are the perimeters of the power of the UT System Board of Regents, and have the regents overstepped them?

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

UT students should not evaluate their school experience by their first post-graduation job and its paycheck.

Members of the General Faculty, which comprises most (but not all) of the professors on this campus, vote today on two proposed amendments to the University’s academic calendar.

Do you think women are equal to men on this campus?

"We believe this preparation can be achieved most effectively by spending less time debating the particulars of standardized testing schemes and more time restoring the $4 billion cut from the state education budget made during the last legislative session."

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

The lawmakers who authored the bills, all Republicans, have expressed sentiments that the legislation would be in students’ best interest. We disagree.

The SXSWedu Policy Forum takes place Monday and Tuesday at the Hilton Austin Downtown. 

When the Texas Student Media board of trustees meets today, its members should not curtail the number of days The Daily Texan is printed, as has been proposed.

The editorial board sent questionnaires to Student Government Executive Alliance candidates and those seeking positions as University-wide representatives. Their answers were reviewed blindly, and endorsement decisions were derived solely from candidates’ written responses.

Pflugerville ISD became the first school district in Texas to allow employees to add a domestic partner to their health care plan in December 2012.

Prominent members of the Texas Legislature filed measures this week to protect the University of Texas’ autonomy from the UT System Board of Regents.

Like many newspapers, The Daily Texan is misunderstanding the public’s switch to “digital” news. Newsprint is expensive, silicon is almost free. 

The Daily Texan faces serious financial challenges that cannot be solved with short-sighted decisions.

The Question: do you believe online classes will replace physical classes in your lifetime? Should they?

Earlier this month, state Representatives Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, and Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, introduced twin bills initiating an amendment to the Texas Constitution.

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

How do you feel about the UT System Regents’ putting what the Austin American-Statesman called a “gag order” on President Powers, which prohibits him from discussing Inappropriate employee-student relationships?

Kimberly McCarthy, the first woman scheduled to be executed in the United States since 2010, won a reprieve when a state district court halted a lethal injection on Jan. 29, only hours before it was scheduled to take place in Huntsville.

Let Powers talk. We want to hear what he has to say.

Water scarcity is not just a concern for profitable business development (as put forth by Gov. Rick Perry); it's a present and immediate threat to the survival of Texas as we know it.

From 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Lee Mun Wah, an acclaimed diversity trainer, will conduct a workshop that teaches students how to interact with others who are different from themselves. 

 In 2013, when phone screens have become more consuming and numerous, Perry’s ideology-driven illogic about bills banning texting while driving should not prevail.

A wish list of proposals we'd like to hear Gov. Perry make.

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

A bill filed by State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) on Jan. 17 would allow concealed handgun license holders to carry firearms on campus. We asked UT students if they would feel safer if such a bill were passed.

Texas State Rep. Dan Branch, chair of the House Higher Education Committee speaks with the Daily Texan about education and the 83rd Legislature.

At the beginning of every week, we provide a list of opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

While report on UT and A&M history programs seen as mystifying, Michigander presence on The Daily Texan's website also an enigma.

A National Association of Scholars report published Jan. 9 concluded that introductory U.S. and Texas history courses at UT and A&M are overly focused on themes of race, gender and class.

On Tuesday Jan. 8, the Texas Legislature, which meets every other year, reopened for business. Expect a contentious session, filled with triumph and frustration for onlookers on all sides

The 62-page report concludes that both UT and A&M’s introductory U.S.  history course offerings are overly focused on themes of race, class and gender.

Don’t be afraid to tell us what you think, and send your letters to firingline@dailytexanonline.com 

Fall graduation lacks the pomp and circumstance occasioned by spring commencement, but for students graduating in December, the event is no less monumental.

For a public official, the appearance of a conflict of interest often drains public trust as irrevocably as a verified one.

In the past couple of years, Ted Cruz, a former UT law professor and U.S. Senator-elect from Texas, has catapulted himself to national prominence.

We beg to differ and are more than happy to oblige by offering some possible bumper stickers for Gov. Rick Perry's 2016 presidential bid.

The chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, announced the creation of the Task Force on Best Practices Regarding University-Affiliated Foundation Relationships.

In response to the Texas Sunset Commission’s recommendation that the Texas Railroad Commission change its name we have provided suggestions.

Though legally a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, the Co-op is in spirit as much a part of UT as the Tower and Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

We asked students around campus whether or not they planned to skip class next week before Thanksgiving break.

As of today, a petition posted on the White House website calling for Texas to secede from the United States has garnered more than 80,000 signatures.

Kel Seliger is a Republican Senator in the Texas State Senate from the 31st District which includes the panhandle and Permian Basin.

Twenty-four hours after polls closed, many consider the election a major victory for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans.

Today, increased numbers of UT students don’t think much or often about the presidential election, and many are not persuaded that either Obama or Romney can lift this country from its current woes. 

According to the Federal Election Commission and opensecrets.org, five out of eight non-student UT System regents have made contributions of $2,500.

It’s hard to follow all the bricks being thrown in the fight between Gov. Rick Perry and Planned Parenthood.

Every Monday, we provide a list of the top three opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week. 

We asked students on Guadalupe Street about their most memorable parking experiences and their overall impressions of campus-area parking conditions.

A play about two male penguins who face an unfriendly world teaches the audience to defend our differences. So far, AISD missed the message.  

UT-Austin would like a medical school. Texas A&M has one, Baylor has one, the University of North Texas has one and Texas Tech has two.

During Tuesday night’s debate, President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney discussed a wide range of topics, including immigration.

Justice Kennedy raised a common criticism of affirmative action policies — that they serve as a “tiebreaker.”

Starting Sunday, the Perry-Castañeda Library will remain open 24 hours a day on weekdays. 

By suggesting race is not something to consider, Fisher’s advocates suggest it is not something others take into account. The Supreme Court should side with UT. The University should be able to consider race because UT students consider race when they look around the classroom.

We asked students standing on the steps of the Tower who they support in next week’s Oct. 10 Supreme Court case challenging UT’s race-conscious admissions policy. 

On Oct. 2, U.S. Senate candidates Paul Sadler (D) and Ted Cruz (R) had their first televised debate. After arguing about how many more debates the pair would have before the Nov. election, Cruz and Sadler discussed economic philosophy, the national budget and health care.

Last Wednesday, The Texan broke the story that UT officials had politely turned down Sarah and Ernest Butler’s immediate $33 million donation to the music school because the couple made it contingent on UT creating a stand-alone music college, a conservatory-like college within the university but apart from the rest of the fine arts programs, which the administration does not want to do.

The best voices, the people’s voices. That is the why of the Firing Line.

Sadler spoke to Daily Texan associate editors Drew Finke and Pete Stroud about college students today, higher education in Texas and his chances in November.

This is the second installment in a two-part Q&A with UT President William Powers Jr., former dean of the School of Law, about the Abigail Fisher case, which the U.S. Supreme Court will hear on Oct. 10.

Both Romney and President Barack Obama are reserved, cautious presences, waiting before they speak and slow to reveal.

In a reply brief Abigail Fisher filed Sept. 5 with the U.S. Supreme Court, her lawyers argue UT defendants engage in “doublespeak.”

Editor’s note: Every Monday we’ll provide a list of the top three opinion-worthy events to expect during the coming week.

Bob Krueger spoke with Daily Texan associate editor Kayla Oliver about the death of Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, the political prospects of Texas Democrats and the lessons of public service.

Heman Marion Sweatt II is the nephew of Heman Sweatt, the first African American to attend UT Law School.

On Aug. 17, UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa unveiled plans to establish a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Editor’s note: As part of our effort to publish a wide range of perspectives about Abigail Fisher’s case against UT we have included a summary of an amicus brief filed in support of the plaintiff.

The Daily Texan survives as a vibrant print product because it meets people where they are.

Editor’s note: An August Gallup poll revealed only half of Americans believe today’s college graduates are “prepared for the working world.” We asked UT professors and campus leaders if they share this belief.

Editor’s note: We have listed here brief descriptions of campus, statewide and national developments that we expect to follow in these pages in the upcoming year.

The Regents’ approval means the bonus policy will go into effect but on which terms is not clear.

Serving students consistently the goal of the Daily Texan; along with engaging readership in news as local as the University and up to international events.

Earlier this month, the UT Board of Regents denied President Bill Powers Jr.’s request to make an official statement about Iran’s imprisonment of Omid Kokabee.

It’s tough to take seriously the state Republicans’ educational philosophy, which was published along with their other positions in the 2012 platform.

Where does UT fit into this picture of cake-baking, fracking and New York protestors?

When he begins his new job in July, Dr. David Laude will be charged with seeing that at least 70 percent of the incoming freshman class graduates in four years.

An unexpectedly high number of acceptances at UT reversed historical trends and led to a bump in the size of the class 2016.

This is the first installment in a series of interviews the Editorial Board conducted with new hires at the University.

Student leaders and state policymakers talk about college and potential cost-cutting measures.

The Board of Regents granted permission to the University to neogtiate the purchase of a piece of land.

From a former UT quarterback to the new UT System student regent, these are among our favorite quotes from the past several days.

Editor’s note: From President Barack Obama to  presidential candidate Mitt Romney, these are among our favorite quotes from the past several days.

With two geographic representation plans on the ballot, both will likely fail.

From the election of a mascot to the re-election of a governor, these are among our favorite quotes from the past several days.

The Daily Texan Editorial Board is seeking suggestions for our Longhorn of the Year distinction.

Extremist factions can quickly become destructive when endorsed by low voter rates and the mainstream culture.

Scholarship rule changes and positive racial history being made at A&M make week.

The move is a progressive step forward for UT, and the way it will be implemented reflects careful consideration.

The TEXAS Grant program is undergoing some major reconstruction.

From redistricting to the state’s B-On-Time loan program, these are among our favorite quotes from the past several days.

Fundamental culture change does not happen without the support of the students

A month of controversy, grandstanding and litigation seems to compel the conclusion that this tumultuous election cycle was doomed from the start.

The Daily Texan Editorial Board endorses John Lawler and Terrence Maas for Student Government president and vice president.

Texans for a Conservative Budget released a proposal containing misleading solutions for the current state budget deficit.

UT System launches a Web page for Texans to track the split between UT-Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.

The mantra of Gardner and Guevara’s campaign is to “Unite Texas,” but their actions have contradicted that pledge.

Implementing a new network  comes with its growing pains and challenges.

Issues of tradition and harrassment clash in recent debates.

Earlier this week, federal judges in San Antonio released interim maps for Texas’ congressional districts.

The Daily Texan Editorial Board endorses the following candidates running for Student Government.

Voter turnout in this year's Student Government elections may end up being the lowest in decades.

 Quotes from our interview with executive alliance candidates John Lawler and Terrence Maas.

The report lacks insight into why students do not graduate on time and prescribes negative reinforcement.

Madison Gardner and Antonio Guevara talk about goals and initiatives.

Student Government candidates can finally begin campaigning officially today.

University to review tobacco policy; future issues of enforcement and cessation under consideration.

A strange creature exists on the UT campus, emerging once every year only to vanish two weeks later.

Austin’s 2012 Charter Revision Committee approved a plan that could mean increased representation for students on the City Council.

The following quotes are from developments in the Occupy movement, as well as Willie Nelson’s mayor endorsement.

Standardized testing in Texas public schools has become a “perversion of its original intent”.

President Barack Obama scrutinizes the rising cost of attending college.

The final vote on this proposal has the potential to create single-member districts for city council elections.

Faculty Council passed a resolution that requires faculty members to submit the textbooks for their classes to bookstores at least 30 days before the first day of class.

As he did so, Texans breathed a sigh of relief for the discontinuation of Perry's embarrasing actions.

From porn peddlers to district meddlers, the following quotes are among the best from the last few weeks.

 Quotes and viewpoints from The Daily Texan Editorial Board for the fall 2011 semester.

Perry: Now if you want a slick debater, I’m obviously not your guy.

The redistricting process is often contentious and always politically charged.

The TPAC discusses tuition hikes, and the Longhorn - Aggie rivalry comes to an end.

In the coming years, legislators will need to make decisions that go beyond the routine appropriations.

The lack of a strong opposition gives a subtle nod of approval to the proposed 2.6-percent tuition increase.

When a university’s engagement with its neighboring community is limited to touchdowns on Saturdays, the foundation of support for its academic mission is marginalized. 

The victims are overshadowed as the media spotlights student riots for Joe Paterno.

The unwavering obsession of universities’ top officials with maintaining athletics programs does a disservice to the students.

In the pressure to act quickly to save higher education from its impending doom, the chance for someone to interject his or her own personal motivations into the solution has been readily available.

President Powers on MyEdu deal: Would I have had different priorities for that money? Yes.

UT System chancellor William Cunningham owns a $175,000 stake in MyEdu, and his son, John, is MyEdu’s senior vice president for information architecture.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board attempts to micromanage schools.

Austinites sound off on the proposed plastic bag ban and sports sources discuss the possibility of West Virginia joining the Big 12.

Powell on hiring Rick O'Donnell: I would say that it was a mistake on my part.

“We are right on plan where we planned to be.”— Dave Carney, Gov. Rick Perry’s chief campaign strategist.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is the Austin think tank for improving higher education earlier this year and precipitated a major controversy.

"You measure a leader by how they walk, not how they talk.” - Texas Gov. Rick Perry

Basic research is often the starting point for commercial startups and its utility is often recognized only long after it has been completed.

The U.S. Supreme Court prohibited Texas from enforcing the new sonogram law that passed the Legislature last spring while the law is under the appeals process.

Liberal arts Dean Randy Diehl and Associate Dean Marc Musick met with students Tuesday evening to gather input on the graduation rates.

President William Powers Jr. now has the authority to make any necessary decisions to align UT with the sports conference that will best suit its needs.

"You can’t measure universities with a blunt instrument.”

The Daily Texan Editorial Board highlights quotes of Gov. Rick Perry's interview in Time Magazine.

Powers left no leaf unturned as he took on the horcruxes of Texas higher education through the last year in a single speech.

While new district lines also marginalize UT student voters, Gov. Rick Perry participated in his first political debate in years Wednesday night.

Announcer for the Rice University Marching Owl Band: Next time you go to the polls, ask yourself, ‘Is your candidate smarter than an Aggie?'

Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa's speech was less about concrete policy and more about creating a consensus among the System’s various interests. 

Perry’s high-octane brand of “my-knowledge-is-as-good-as-your-ignorance” anti-intellectualism should alarm anyone who values the objective pursuit of knowledge.

President William Powers Jr. announced that the University Budget Council will be expanded to include a student and a faculty member for the first time since its establishment in 2000.

The Daily Texan Editorial Board introduces themselves for the coming semester, where they'll be presenting topics ranging from budget cuts to Rick Perry’s campaign for presidency.

Perry: He is a wise, wise God, and he’s wise enough not to be affiliated with any political party.

Baskin: [The report] is a dance remix of a bad song. It doesn’t appear that there is any new framework that’s helping to advance the discussion.

On Thursday the Board of Regents voted to allocate an additional $20 million out of the Permanent University Fund to UT.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would provide legal residency to those who have lived in the United States since at least age 15 if they complete college or military service for at least two years.

As the special session put the finishing touches on one of the most hotly-contested state budgets, the most powerful man in Texas government couldn’t be found within a coyote’s howl of the state.

The race for city council's Place 3 between incumbent Randi Shade and challenger Kathie Tovo has been one of the most tightly contested and vicious local elections in years.

Rep. Wayne Christian made yet another attack on the GLBT community Thursday with his attempt to revive an amendment that would significantly reduce support for gender and sexuality centers at universities in Texas.

Gov. Rick Perry called a special session Monday night after a Democratic filibuster of a public education reform bill prevented the Legislature from balancing the budget before the legislative session’s end.

“The message is simple: Avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break and stay alive.”

  “It’s the sand being put in the oyster around which the pearl grows.” 

“Excellent meeting just now with Rick. Are you ready for me to get this show on the road?”

Almost a year later, Texas may finally receive that $830 million without Doggett’s contingencies.

    Thursday may be the last time Texans celebrate Cesar Chavez Day if state Republicans have their way.

    “They’re listening, and this is the result.” — UT System spokesman Anthony de Bruyn.

    “The only ‘bias’ of those who begin with ‘Morning Edition’ is a bias for truth.  My constituents tune in to KUT because they want fact-based, not faux-based, Fox-based coverage.”

    The Daily Texan stands behind its endorsement of the Butler-Baker campaign.

The Senate of College Councils recently announced it will form student committees to help address college-specific budget cuts for the upcoming year.