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NEWS 2/26/25 12:05am

Dastur runs for EVP uncontested after Zahra withdraws from race

By Abigail Chiu

Mahtab Dastur, a current Duncan College New Student Representative, is campaigning for External Vice President uncontested. She was previously running against McMurtry College sophomore Lajward Zahra, who announced her withdrawal from the race, citing “unforeseen personal circumstances,” at the Student Association debate Feb. 24. At the debate, Zahra endorsed Dastur for the role.

NEWS 2/18/25 11:00pm

Rice testifies for lawsuit against ‘devastating’ federal funding cuts

By James Cancelarich

Rice joined 70 other universities supporting a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health, which may reduce research funding by billions of dollars. A Feb. 7 NIH memo announced a drastic cut to indirect costs, which covers overhead for research institutions; including funding for lab spaces, water and power bills and paying subcontractors, according to testimony from Provost Amy Ditmtar.

NEWS 2/18/25 10:58pm

Federal grant cuts jeopardize $4 million of research funding

By Saahithi Sreekantham

Rice could lose up to $4 million in research funding due to cuts to National Institutes of Health grants, according to analysis by the New York Times. On Feb. 7, the NIH proposed a drastic slash of funding for indirect costs, which include administrative and lab upkeep. The proposal was blocked by a federal court Feb. 11. 

FEATURES 2/18/25 10:57pm

Students react to Trump’s second term

By Noa Berz

Donald Trump’s second presidency is off to an unprecedented start, with over 60 executive orders signed as of Feb. 12. Students shared their opinions, thoughts and worries about the new policies in action. 

NEWS 2/18/25 10:57pm

6% of students admitted in first-ever ED II round

By Abigail Chiu

Rice’s inaugural round of Early Decision II saw a single-digit acceptance rate, admitting only 6% of its 2,513 applicants on Feb. 7, said Yvonne Romero, vice president for enrollment. A total of 36,749 people applied to Rice this admissions cycle, including applicants across the ED I, ED II, regular decision and QuestBridge National College Match programs.

NEWS 2/4/25 11:25pm

Federal immigration policies draw ire, conversation

By Noa Berz

Thousands of Houstonians marched down Sunset Blvd. on Sunday to protest President Donald Trump’s new immigration policies. Students like Rocio Vides, the daughter of two Salvadoran immigrants, joined the protesters in marching for immigration rights.

NEWS 2/4/25 11:24pm

Student Judicial Programs investigates snow day antics

By Charlie Cruz

Rice students climbed onto the roof of Lovett Hall Jan. 21 during a snowball fight in the academic quad. The Rice University Police Department received a call about students on the roof, which prompted officers to respond and direct students to leave. Student Judicial Programs is still investigating the situation.  

A&E 2/4/25 11:23pm

Student-run “Sleepy Cyborg” brings abstract art to life

By Kristal Hanson

Tucked away in the basement of Sewall Hall is a small 10-by-12-foot gallery, with an extension in the sculpture courtyard nicknamed “the pit.” “Sleepy Cyborg,” a gallery initially started in 2009 under the name “Matchbox,” is run entirely by students, allowing student artists to experiment, curate and showcase their work outside of more formal programs.

NEWS 1/28/25 11:43pm

In the shadow of NOD: New Wiess public met with mixed reviews

By Abigail Chiu

Wiess College hosted Masks After Dark on Jan. 25, its inaugural new public, which debuted months after administration permanently canceled the Night of Decadence. NOD, Wiess’ themed underwear party, had run for five decades — and was so risqué, it allegedly garnered Playboy attention — before excessive drinking and hospitalizations drove the party to its early death in October 2023.

NEWS 1/28/25 11:42pm

Proposed amendments revamp constitution

By James Cancelarich

The Student Association Constitutional Revisions Committee announced four potential constitutional amendments at a Jan. 27 Senate meeting. The amendments include correcting typos, restructuring the blanket tax allocations process, clarifying election rules and potentially reshaping the power structure of the Senate. 

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