Special Projects

Rice Young Democratic Socialists organize for engagement

A new chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America started at Rice this semester. With several hundred chapters across colleges, Young Democratic Socialists of America is the student and youth section of the larger DSA organization.

Students mobilize for Harris’ reproductive rights rally

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. 

Rice fires football head coach Mike Bloomgren

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.

Senate passes divestment referenda to student vote

The Student Association passed four referenda calling for university response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in its Oct. 28 meeting. The general student body will vote on the referenda this academic year.

Rice establishes Virani Undergraduate School of Business

Following a “historic” gift to Rice Business, undergraduate business majors will now study in the Virani Undergraduate School of Business, named after donors Farid and Asha Virani. A university spokesperson declined to provide the exact donation amount.

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

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.

‘Pressure is a privilege’: All eyes on Rice WBB’s quest to defend title

Seven months after their American Athletic Conference tournament championship, the Rice women’s basketball team returns to the court to defend their title.

Last Minute Rice Halloween Costumes

10-30-2024 Crossword Solution

10-30-2024 Crossword: "Over and Out"

10-30-2024 Owl-American

Soccer shoots for November championships

Heading into their final game of the season last year, Rice soccer — who was already out of contention for a conference tournament title — was simply looking to win their first home game. This year, the tides have turned: They’ve only lost one home game and currently rank third place in the conference, clinching a spot in the postseason. 

The Wild Robot is Dreamworks’ best original movie in years

"Sometimes, hearts have their own conversations." This line delivered midway through the film struck a chord, signaling that Dreamworks' latest animated feature, "The Wild Robot," wasn’t just another feel-good story — it was something truly special. 

Eight dessert shops in Rice Village to get your sugar fix

As the semester creeps along, it’s more important than ever to have many options for sweet treats to celebrate or soothe ourselves after submitting an assignment or finishing a midterm. Below is a list of eight options for doing just that.

“Music speaks to everyone”: ktru hosts new Brown Garden Sounds event

ktru hosted “Brown Garden Sounds,” a show highlighting artists of color, for the first time on Friday, Oct. 18. 

‘Outer Banks’ actors Daviss and North talk new season

The Pogues are back. This latest season of “Outer Banks” kicked off Oct. 10 with the first half of the fourth season out on Netflix now. Fans of the show don’t have to wait too long: The second half reaches audiences Nov. 7. Stars Jonathan Daviss and Austin North — who play Pope and Topper, respectively — spoke with the Thresher about the North Carolina teenagers’ forthcoming adventures.

Meet the ACL artist: Emei

“This is me and my band’s first festival, so it’s a big moment for us,” Emei said at her Austin City Limits show Oct. 12. “We’ve never ever done a festival, so it’s going to be awesome.” 

Have some spooky fun with these Halloween activities

Halloween is quickly approaching, and on its heels comes the unofficial start of the holiday season. If you’re trying to enjoy the end of autumn before your pumpkin spice is replaced with peppermint and the Monster Mash by Mariah Carey, read further for some festive activities.

Rice Theatre brings hilarity, chaos to stage in ‘The Comedy of Errors’

Rife with slapstick humor and cheeky wordplay, Rice Theatre’s production of “The Comedy of Errors” took the stage at Hamman Hall, sending off a final round of performances to laughter and cheers Oct. 26. The shortest of Shakespeare’s comedies, the play features two sets of identical twins separated at birth whose paths cross in the port city Ephesus, resulting in mishap and havoc.

BFF ghouls: last minute Halloween group costumes

Swamped with midterms? Procrastinated too much? If your friend group is scrambling for costumes the day before Halloween, look no further.