Rice University’s Student Newspaper — Since 1916

Saturday, April 05, 2025 — Houston, TX

Special Projects



NEWS 9/3/24 11:22pm

Rice sees 44% yield for class of 2028

With a 44% yield rate, 1,149 students joined the class of 2028 along with 74 transfer students. Incoming classes continue to increase in size ahead of the construction of two new residential colleges.



OPINION 9/3/24 11:18pm

Letter from the editor’s desk: Telling the stories closest to home

Last week, I knew what I was going to write here. I spent the night before the semester began reading and re-reading what old editors-in-chief had to say in their welcome letters, picking up on common themes: building trust with readers, supporting student media, running a paper in unprecedented times. Then last week, one hour before our first staff meeting of the year, we received notice of an immediate shelter-in-place: RUPD was investigating a tragic homicide at Jones. Campus shut down, and everything stilled.







SPORTS 9/3/24 11:11pm

Paralympic recap: Ahalya Lettenberger

Former Rice Swimmer Ahalya Lettenberger ‘23 competed in the Paralympic Games this past weekend, placing 5th and 6th in her two events. Lettenberger was born with arthrogryposis amyoplasia, which results in the shortening, tightening or increased wear of muscle tissue, according to Cleveland Clinic. 


A&E 9/3/24 11:06pm

Review: ‘Alien: Romulus’ sacrifices subtext. That’s alright.

In 1979, general audiences first bore witness to the grotesque horror of the chest-burster scene in the original “Alien” — and the extraterrestrial thriller genre was never quite the same. Since then, the franchise has birthed eight more films, although the series has significantly evolved in terms of tone, genre and message in ways that have not always been well-received by critics and diehard fans alike. With the recent release of “Alien: Romulus,” however, Fede Álvarez has, for better or worse, returned the franchise to its roots.



A&E 9/3/24 11:04pm

Review: The twists and turns are all too familiar in “Blink Twice”

It’s hard to say much about “Blink Twice,” Zoë Kravitz’s (“The Batman”) directorial debut, without giving it all away. The film follows a pair of women (Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat) invited on an impromptu vacation on a creepy private island by an even creepier tech billionaire (Channing Tatum). The film, a solid debut feature, has quite a bit going for itself, or at least enough juice for me not to spoil the surprises. But what I can say is that if you have seen a thriller, nothing in “Blink Twice” will blow you away.


A&E 9/3/24 11:03pm

Houston concerts to check out this semester

This semester’s concert lineup is packed with an eclectic mix of genres and artists that promise to light up the city’s music scene. Whether you’re eager to see alternative hip-hop innovators like Bladee and Joey Valence & Brae, rock legends like Weezer or pop icons like Usher and Mariah Carey, Houston’s stages are set to host unforgettable performances. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience live music at its finest.



FEATURES 9/3/24 10:54pm

‘PR for Jesus:’ Across the spectrum of Rice’s Christian student organizations

For those who frequent Rice public parties, there is no sight more beloved at the end of the night than a tent and a whiteboard. Underneath this tent, the intoxicated can indulge in fresh pancakes from the Baptist Student Ministry and attempt to consider the faith-related question on the nearby whiteboard, often encouraging students to vote with a tally mark. Also available —  a fleet of golf carts and sober drivers to chauffeur the more inebriated students safely home.


FEATURES 9/3/24 10:53pm

Unpacking back to school necessities (and absurdities)

Whether you’re a freshman feeling not-so-fresh right out of Orientation Week or a fifth-year senior desperately trying to graduate this semester, there’s no doubt: In your packing frenzy, you have forgotten something. Whether that is all your socks (urgent) or simply packing your collection of emotional support Pokémon cards (to be honest, also pretty urgent), you may be wishing for a helpful guide on how to prepare for your first weeks back to school. What to buy, what to do, what to wear: find your answers here.