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NEWS 11/5/24 11:39pm

IGNITE pushes for women in politics

By Eileen Chen

A new chapter of IGNITE, started under the national organization of the same name, was founded at Rice by Aleena Ahmad and Carmine Steiner this semester. The organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in the political sphere by encouraging civil and political engagement for women and nonbinary people, according to their website.

FEATURES 11/5/24 11:38pm

A peek at the polls: political participation through the years

By Moid Asif

Waiting on election results isn’t new to Rice students. The 1916 presidential election saw students waiting for the Houston Chronicle’s news for three days; when the results were finally announced, Woodrow Wilson’s reelection drew incoherent shouting, rah-rahs and a congregation in the quad.

SPORTS 11/5/24 11:37pm

Worth the wait: Rice football drowns Navy in rain-soaked victory

By Andersen Pickard

During a normal Rice football game, junior quarterback E.J. Warner doesn’t usually tell jokes from the locker room while the offense is in the red zone. Interim head coach Pete Alamar doesn’t usually spend an hour waiting for his clothes to dry while preparing for a five-yard touchdown run. The support staff doesn’t usually sprint to the Rice Stadium Chick-fil-A stand to buy out their entire supply of sandwiches. 

NEWS 10/29/24 11:39pm

Students mobilize for Harris’ reproductive rights rally

By Riya Misra

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a rally for reproductive rights Oct. 25. Musical artist Beyoncé headlined the rally, returning to her hometown to endorse Harris in the U.S. presidential race. Over 30,000 attendees — Harris’ largest rally turnout so far, her campaign said — packed the Shell Energy Stadium, emblazoned with signs saying “Trust Women” and “Vote for Reproductive Freedom.” Ten days before the election, Harris’ stop in Houston is a rare one: It’s the first time in 30 years that a candidate has campaigned in Texas, a state that last voted Democrat in 1976. 

SPORTS 10/29/24 11:39pm

Rice fires football head coach Mike Bloomgren

By Andersen Pickard

Rice Athletics announced the firing of football head coach Mike Bloomgren on Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 17-10 loss at the University of Connecticut. “As I evaluated our program and compared our current and desired trajectory, I determined new leadership is necessary to guide us into the future,” said athletic director Tommy McClelland in a statement.

SPORTS 10/29/24 11:37pm

10 candidates to replace Mike Bloomgren as Rice football’s head coach

By Andersen Pickard

Rice shook up its football leadership Sunday, firing head coach Mike Bloomgren in the middle of his seventh season at the program’s helm. Athletic director Tommy McClelland said he intends to lead a national search for Rice’s next head coach immediately. Here are 10 candidates to replace Bloomgren as the Owls look to be American Athletic Conference contenders in 2025 and beyond.

NEWS 10/22/24 11:56pm

2024 Harris County Election Guide

 

If you’re voting in Harris County for this year’s elections, your ballot will have competitive federal, state and local races, in addition to three propositions. To help you make your choice at the polls, we’ve put together a voting guide detailing the ballot’s candidates and propositions.

NEWS 10/22/24 11:56pm

Candidates comment on Harris County hot-button issues

By Viola Hsia

Students registered in Harris County this year will vote in dozens of national, state and local races. While races for local and state elected officials see lower turnout than presidential elections, these candidates will be making decisions with local impact on the Rice community. 

NEWS 10/22/24 11:54pm

Remembering Kathryn Petree

By Noa Berz

McMurtry College sophomore Kathryn Petree passed away due to cancer complications last Saturday, Oct. 12. Kathryn matriculated a semester late to complete chemotherapy treatments, but those close to her say she left a mark on everyone in her time at Rice. Above all else, she is survived by memories of her incredible generosity and optimism. 

NEWS 10/22/24 10:52pm

Wiess announces a MAD new public

By Viola Hsia

Wiess College announced that their new public party theme will be a masquerade. The party will be officially titled “Masquerade After Dark” — MAD for short – according to the announcement made during Wiess’ Oct. 18 FITQ. According to Wiess co-Social Vice President Isabelle Shen, the public is scheduled for Jan. 25. Wiess co-Social Vice President Rocio Gras added that the event will be outdoors.

NEWS 10/8/24 11:36pm

Chabad at Rice hosts vigil for Oct. 7 anniversary

By James Cancelarich

Nearly 150 students, staff and faculty gathered at Farnsworth Pavilion for a vigil commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Held up by clothespins, pictures paying tribute to killed Israeli people lined the walls of the room. 

NEWS 10/8/24 11:35pm

RUPD updates on recent campus crime

By Abigail Chiu

A single person is likely responsible for the rash of recent car burglaries in North and South Lot, according to Rice University Police Department Chief of Police Clemente Rodriguez in an email to the Thresher. The male suspect was identified with security cameras, but their identity could not be determined. No one has been arrested in connection to these burglaries, which occurred on Sept. 21 at 3 a.m. Students received a Rice Crime Alert email Sept. 22 informing them of the break-ins. The North Lot suspect had not been connected to the South Lot burglaries in the email.

NEWS 10/8/24 11:34pm

Rice introduces peer-led study program

By Aisha Khemani

Rice launched the Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students this semester, serving as a centralized office and drop-in study hub to academically support undergraduates. OASUS was created by the Task Force on Student Success, initiated by President Reggie DesRoches during his tenure as provost, to address gaps in educational experiences and outcomes, particularly for under-resourced students.

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