Issue 2, Vol. 92 by The Cougar

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Est. 1934

Issue 2, Volume 92

MICAH CLAY | sports@thedailycougar.com

FOOTBALL

Houston shines in season opener against Oregon State 33-20 MICAH CLAY

SPORTS EDITOR

@ MC_5ONE

The Houston Cougars hung on against the Oregon State Beavers 33-20 on Sept. 5 at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars are now 4-1 against the Beavers in series history. The first quarter started with the Beavers pushing down the field and closing in on the 50-yard line. However, junior defensive back Javion White sacked sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson for 11 yards, causing Oregon State to punt. On the tenth play of the Cougars’ first possession, fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Amare Thomas for 31 yards, giving Houston the early lead, 6-0, due to a missed field goal by junior kicker Jonathan Dimas. Following Houston’s touchdown, Atkinson completed a 71-yard pass to freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree. This resulted in a threeyard rushing touchdown by Atkinson, giving Oregon State the

lead, 7-6. Houston’s second drive followed with Weigman making a 49-yard pass to junior wide receiver Koby Young, setting the Cougars up at the 16-yard line. After an Oregon State sack, Houston settled for a 42-yard field goal by Dimes to give Houston back the lead, 9-7. To begin the second quarter, senior running back Makhi Hughes fumbled the ball, giving Oregon State control, but the Beavers still punted the ball. After punts from both teams, Houston was able to march down the field and end the drive with a 56-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Re’Shaun Sanford, widening the Cougars’ lead to 16-7. During the postgame

conference, Sanford said he felt emotional after finally being able to score for Houston due to injuries. “Every time you miss a year of anything that you love doing, you really realize how much more you love it,” Sanford said. “I feel like I was prepared for that moment.” Houston closed out the half with a field goal, taking a 12-point lead over Oregon State, 19-7. After a 30-minute weather delay, both teams went three-andout to start the third quarter. At the 11-minute mark, Weigman was able to complete a 30-yard pass to senior tight end Patrick Overmyer, advancing to Oregon State’s 44-yard line. The Cougars ended the nine-play

drive with a rushing touchdown by Hughes, giving the Cougars a lead of 19. Oregon State answered with a touchdown of its own after Atkinson threw a 25-yard pass to Legree, moving to the seven-yard line. Atkinson then threw a sevenyard touchdown pass back to Legree but could not convert on the two-point conversion, making the score 26-13. At the start of the fourth quarter, Weigman completed a 27-yard pass to Thomas, setting up at Oregon State’s 43-yard line. However, Weigman threw an interception to junior defensive back Sailasa Vadrawale. Atkinson threw a pass to senior tight end Eric Olsen for 24 yards, lining up at Houston’s 40-yard line. With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, senior running back AJ Newberry scampered into the end zone and made the

score 26-20. With six minutes left in the game, Weigman threw a 37-yard completion to Thomas and then scrambled it in for a touchdown. The Beavers tried to keep the game close, but White sacked Atkinson on fourth down to ultimately seal the game for the Cougars. “It was the second sack of my whole career,” White said. “It felt amazing.” The Cougars then ran out the clock to win the game 33-20. Weigman had 305 passing yards and a touchdown. Thomas went on to have 133 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Hughes had 98 rushing yards and a touchdown. “It’s the first game. We’re gonna improve defensively and offensively,” Fritz said. “Just know we’ll learn some valuable lessons.” Houston will take on Southern in the upcoming week at 6 P.M. on Sept. 12. sports@ thedailycougar. com

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2 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

news

KAREN WEI News Editor @thedailycougar

INTERNATIONAL

Nepalese Student Association at UH takes action after devastating floods KAREN WEI

NEWS EDITOR @KAREN_FEIWEI

On Aug. 26, floods swept through Nepal causing massive destructions in the country. In the days since, the death toll has crossed 1,000 and thousands more remain missing. Nepalese students at the UH Nepalese Student Association have responded to the devastating floods in their home country with shock and despair, while also finding ways to help from afar. “We collected funds to donate over there so that they can help,” said President of the NSA-UH Ganesh Lamichhane. “I’m also trying to communicate with my friends in Nepal so they can give some clothes, not just money and maybe food also.” Lamichhane’s family lives just a few miles from the areas worst affected by the floods. Friends of friends have died trapped in hydropower tunnels, where hundreds of workers are trapped. This devastation weighs heavily on Lamichhane. He hails from a hilly part of Nepal and worries about the ability for rescuers to reach people and distribute resources in remote areas with difficult terrain. “I’m a PhD student here, I have to do the research, but I am always thinking about what’s going on,” Lamichhane said. “Are they alive or dead? Can they recover all the bodies or not?” He also voiced concerns about the broader impacts of the floods and widespread casualties on Nepal’s linguistic

diversity. Over 120 languages are spoken, many of them highly local. “Let’s say there are 10 houses in one place and they wipe out all these houses,” Lamichhane said. “They can speak a very particular language, so we are losing their culture, their language. It’s a massive loss for us.” NSA-UH outreach officer Evyak Joshi first heard about the floods on social media, then through messages from friends and family. His initial reaction was shock and disbelief, both of which quickly morphed into concerns for his community. However, despite being far away Joshi also hasn’t been idle. His uncle is president of the Nepali Association of Houston and started a GoFundMe, as well as a fundraiser with Congressman Al Green. Joshi encourages people to support relief efforts locally, mirroring with Lamichhane as well. “It’s honestly really hard being here and not able to physically help or be there with them. There’s a helplessness that comes with watching this unfold from a distance,” Joshi said. The floods felt like reminiscent of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods in India, said NSA-UH Vice President Pratik Poudel, where he lost nine of his neighbors, including two family members. Now, Poudel is able to empathize deeply with people who have lost their loved ones. He’s keeping in touch with his family, who are near the flooded Narayani River but safe. “For the most part, I don’t feel that being in the U.S. has made me less helpful,” Poudel

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar

said. “If I had been in Nepal, I don’t know how much I could have done to alleviate the situation directly. By being here, I can continue working and contribute financially to relief efforts in ways that I might not have been able to otherwise.”

Call to action At the global level, Poudel believes that the floods highlight issues with earlywarning systems and climate change preparedness. The floods were caused by a chunk of ice that snapped off a glacier and tumbled into the valley below. Glaciers around the world are increasingly unstable because of humancaused global warming, caused by burning fossil fuels. Though international support has

emerged for Nepal, organizations like the United Nations should address climaterelated disasters with greater urgency. Nepal makes up for a small share of global carbon emissions, yet is currently facing the brunt of the consequences of climate change, Poudel said. “Ultimately, I don’t think the question should only be, “Why did this flood happen?,” Poudel said. “We should also be asking: “What could we have done to prevent so many people from dying, and what can we do now to make sure this doesn’t happen again anywhere in the world?”’ Students can donate to the Government of Nepal on their website. news@thedailycougar.com

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student leaders demand more safety representation, administration denies GIA MEJIA NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

@GIA.MEJIA

Growing safety concerns at UH have drawn students to advocate for change. Student leaders have been working all year to involve more students on the Safety and Security Committee. Residence Halls Association President Yhoali Guerrero Becerril submitted a proposal requesting seats for major campus organizations. The request was rejected by Committee Chair Chief and UH Chief of Police Ceaser Moore Jr., who stated student representation will not be increased on this committee, according to an email evidence obtained by The Cougar. Student Government Association was also in communication with Moore and Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Raymond Bartlett, to add more student seats into the committee. “SGA has exhausted all administrative channels in our efforts to expand student representation on the University’s Safety and Security Standing Committee,” said SGA Director of Public Relations Donya Oufi. The push for change follows multiple safetyrelated incidents over the past few years,

Members of the UH SGA gather for a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

including a robbery reported Aug. 12, just weeks away from the start of the fall semester. While physical security remains a concern, students and elected student leaders point to a broader issue: the lack of transparency and communication from the University. “Outside of surveying and listening to our opinions, if the security and safety leadership needs help with program planning, why don’t they involve students directly?” said health junior Jana Qaddoura. The demand for transparency has created tension within University governance. On June 29, SGA Director of University Standing Committees Terrell Wallace reached out to Bartlett, in hopes of establishing a permanent, dedicated SGA student appointee. However, Wallace was not granted a

meeting with Bartlett who said over an email that he is not supportive of adding an additional member to the Committee whether it be a student, faculty or staff member. “Safety is a shared responsibility and this committee was designed to ensure representation of key stakeholders from across the campus ecosystem, including students,” said a university spokesperson. “Students are represented by their elected leaders, the SGA president and vice president, who are responsible for meeting with all their student constituencies to listen for concerns and then elevate them to the committee for consideration.” Student leaders, however, argue that two student seats fall short of representation and are not enough to represent the diverse safety needs all students. “Students have tried to fill the gap by assisting each other, but we shouldn’t be the only people trying to make ourselves feel safer,” Qaddoura said. “Our safety also needs to be accounted for by the University.” A primary point of frustration among students is the unattended security vehicles parked across high-traffic areas. The lack of consistent foot patrols has altered daily campus routines for many students. “An incident happens on campus, maybe a few more security carts will be rolling

around the parking garages for two to three weeks before security reverts straight back to normal,” Qaddoura said. “I, like other students, cannot go out to organization meetings, socials or late events on campus without planning out in my head how I can get to my car safely.” Safety concerns are not limited to late hours or isolated areas on campus. There have been multiple incidents on campus during daylight hours in central hubs, including repeated bank robberies at the TDECU Credit Union inside Student Center South and near the MLK Metro bus stop. “The fact that an armed robber can come into a heavily frequented area by students should have raised a major concern the first time it happened,” Qaddoura said. Beyond physical security, some students emphasized that preparing for campus crime requires communication from day one. “I wish the way security on campus was presented was more serious during orientation,” said history junior John Unal. “They should acknowledge that UH is an urban University where crime is possible and do more to teach students basic street smarts about living and studying in a metropolitan city.” news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

CAMPUS

MD Anderson Library marks 75 years with gala event AUDREY SZETO

STAFF WRITER @AUDREYYYSZ_

From using card catalogs to computerized systems to find books, the MD Anderson Library has evolved in many ways over the past 75 years. Donors, alumni and faculty celebrated the library’s 75th anniversary on Aug. 29 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with the Catalog of Curiosities, five exhibits that feature the past, present and future of the library. While the event celebrated the history of the library, it also looked forward to the future vision of a reimagined library. “Libraries are a special place,” said donor relations manager Carina Pouraryan. “They’re always a place of community and how our communities interact with one another and seek knowledge changes.” The transition from a quiet library filled with books to a collaborative, digital space was prompted by the rise of the digital age and how it has changed the way people learn. Monit Cheung is a professor of social work and has been teaching at UH for 36 years. Cheung said that when she assigns

her students readings, she can tell some of them don’t read much. “I hope the library will find creative ways to engage students in conferences that could be jointly hosted by the library and a department, so that students will feel they have events that belong to them,” Cheung said. One of the resources students can access at the library is the special collections and university archives. The collections feature rare books and manuscripts and many are primary sources only available at UH. “We exist for the students,” said Associate Dean for Special Collections and Preservation Lauren Gottlieb-Miller. “For an event like this where we’re able to build relationships with our donors and other interested members of the community to help bring attention to this, we can continue to improve and build the collections to benefit our students.” Keith Hughey is an alumnus who graduated in the 1970s. He was invited to the celebration and experienced the special collections exhibit. “The exhibits are just incredible, particularly some of the special archive exhibits,”

Members of the MD Anderson Library Gala gathered with their peers, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Mikele Rodriguez/The Cougar

Hughey said. “We’ve really enjoyed looking through those. It brings back some memories from being here on campus.” The library continues to be a shared space for learning, collaboration and memories because of the community’s engagement. Earlier this year, students and staff participated in a daytime cele-

bration of the library’s 75th anniversary. “Community support is the foundation of public spaces like this,” Pouraryan said. “Community support helps amplify the mission of the library and helps us move toward our vision at a sustainable pace.” news@thedailycougar.com

INTERNATIONAL

International students weigh in on recent policy changes

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar KAREN WEI

NEWS EDITOR @KAREN_FEIWEI

For the past few months, international students have been going through constant policy changes. At UH, these students make up almost 10% of the student body. As of August, students with F-1 visas can only participate in Curricular Practical Training, or internships only if practical training is required of all students enrolled in a program to earn the degree. Optional or elective internships and experiences no longer qualify for CPT authorization. The Department of Homeland Security also introduced a new rule limiting international students to four years of study, a change to the previous Duration of Status policy with major

implications for doctoral students whose programs often go longer than a standard undergraduate degree plan. The rule will take effect Sept. 15. “It’s getting harder and harder every day to be able to stay in the country because of the strict policies,” said industrial engineering sophomore A.B., who asked to be referred only by her initials. “It’s going to end up with people suffering.” A.B. is an international student from Turkey who is on UH’s swim team. While she’s grateful for the opportunity to simultaneously pursue her sport and a rigorous academic track, recent national policies have been hard to stomach. She recently had to reconsider her own plans: in June, the National Collegiate Athletic Association issued new eligibility rules,

allowing qualified Division I student-athletes up to five years of eligibility. But even if A.B. wanted to do so, the overhaul of Duration of Status means that she wouldn’t be able to pursue her degree for an extra year without going through a separate application process. “I might want to swim for five years, but if I choose to do that and I don’t get an extension after my four years, I won’t be able to continue to swim and I will have no degree,” A.B. said. “That’s just useless.” Supply chain management senior Sania Ameen moved to the U.S. with her family from India in 2019. Ameen is scared that her visa status might be impacted, so much so that her goal is to enter the field of immigration law. “My visa could be affected at any point and that worries me the most,” Ameen said. “We’ve seen cases where international students just get picked up by the immigration officers and get detained.” In a request for a statement, the University advised that international students reach out to the International Student and Scholar Services Office with any questions. “We recognize that changes to federal immigration regulations may create uncertainty and questions for members of our international community,” said a University spokesperson. “Supporting international students remains a priority at UH, and our International Student and Scholar Services Office is prepared to help students understand and navigate evolving federal requirements.” But according to Ameen, ISSSO isn’t always helpful. Once, she wasn’t contacted or made aware that her I-20 form, which is a Certificate of

Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, has expired. Though the issue was resolved quickly, Ameen isn’t fully putting her trust in ISSSO. “They have communication issues,” Ameen said. “Being on top of students is their job and I feel like it’s not always what they do.” Ultimately, it is a combination of unpredictable national policy and administrative shortcomings at UH that is weighing on international students. In January, the Department of State suspended visa issuance, either fully or partially, for 38 countries. Supply chain management sophomore Jose, who asked to be referred to by his first name only, has always been passionate about geopolitics. Now more than ever, it has become a needed skill. “I am always aware of the news around immigration, and due to how inexplicable and sudden this administration can be, me and my family know we have to be on our toes for any news,” Jose said. However, despite these circumstances, mentally, socially and educationally, Jose said his experience in college so far has been good. His three American roommates have become good friends. He works at the Recreation Center. Though he is perpetually vigilant and a bit cynical about his future job prospects, he said coming to the States for his education was worth it. “The U.S. at least gives you a chance for success, which in my country I really do not have,” Jose said. “However, it is still something that needs to be heavily thought out by the student and the family, because it is not an easy decision.” news@thedailycougar.com

4 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

sports

MICAH CLAY Sports Editor @thedailycougar

FOOTBALL

Returning Cougars to look out for in the 2026 season MICAH CLAY SPORTS EDITOR

@MC_5ONE

In 2026, the Houston Cougars have multiple returning starters who can turn the tide of their season. From quarterbacks to defensive backs, these starters play an important role for Houston.

Conner Weigman Senior quarterback Conner Weigman is coming off his best career season in 2025, throwing for 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns. Weigman has been named to multiple award watch lists, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Maxwell Award and Preseason Davy O’Brien Award watch lists. Additionally, Weigman was named the Kinders Texas Bowl MVP after throwing for 230 yards and four touchdowns, tying Patrick Mahomes for most touchdowns in Texas Bowl history, according to Houston Athletics.

Amare Thomas Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas is also coming off his best season yet, with 966 yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking him second in receiving yards and touchdowns among receivers in the Big 12. Thomas has been named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list and is the Big 12 Conference’s Preseason All-Big 12 first team. Thomas can create play-making catches that can define the game, has elite-level route-running abilities and can close out drives with points on the board.

Nina To/The Cougar

Jordan Allen, Kentrell Webb Fifth-year defensive backs Jordan Allen and Kentrell Webb are the anchors in the secondary. Webb had 72 total tackles, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception last year. Allen had 48 total tackles, two pass deflections and half a sack. These two players are both on Pro Football Network’s All-Big 12 Third Team

and provide experience in the secondary and can become valuable players in the upcoming season.

Will James Finally, senior defensive back Will James enters the 2026 season after having five pass deflections, 38 tackles, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. He is on the Bronco

Nagurski Award and Bednarik Award watch lists. All of these returning starters had an impact in the 2025 season, when Houston went 10-3 and won the Texas Bowl against LSU 38-35. With experience on their side, they are bound to make an impact again. sports@thedailycougar.com

VOLLEYBALL

Houston holds off Abilene Christian for invitational victory EMILY TRAWEEK SPORTS WRITER

@EMILYTRAWEEK

Houston volleyball outlasted Abilene Christian 3-2 in the second match of the Houston Invitational on Sept. 3 at the Fertitta Center. Thursday evening’s match opened with the teams exchanging points during quick, back-and-forth rallies. Houston found its rhythm after building a fivepoint lead, which continued to expand throughout the remainder of the first set. The Cougars won the set 25-13. Serves from junior outside hitters Sydney Jones and Lily Barron produced aces, while Jones also contributed several kills. The Cougars came out strong in the second set, continuing to capitalize on service errors and rack up kills. Houston expanded its advantage throughout the set as Abilene Christian attempted to close the gap. The Cougars won 25-18 to take a 2-0 lead in the match. The Wildcats found their groove in the third set, shifting the match’s dynamic and creating a neck-and-neck battle.

Houston celebrates after scoring a point during an NCAA college volleyball match against Abilene, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 in Houston,Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Sophomore outside hitter/right side Hadlee Welch eventually broke the tie with a kill assisted by senior setter Rachel

Koss, giving Abilene Christian a 25-23 win and forcing a fourth set. Both teams traded narrow leads until

Houston reached match point at 24-21. Despite strong serves from Houston freshman libero Cali Reece and a major block by junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson, Abilene Christian closed the gap. Consecutive kills from junior middle blocker Avery Thaler and junior outside hitter Maddie Finnegan secured the set for the Wildcats at 28-26, tying the match 2-2. A fifth set was played to determine the winner. After Abilene Christian scored the first point, Houston responded with a 4-0 run and kept the Wildcats trailing for the remainder of the set. Early in the set, sophomore libero Mattie Casale recorded a service ace during a crucial momentum shift for the Cougars. Another ace from junior setter Kalei Edson concluded the victory 15-12 and marked Houston’s second win of the day. Houston will close the Houston Invitational against Houston Christian at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Fertitta Center. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

opinion

NASHLY RAMIREZ Opinion Editor @thedailycougar

SAFETY

UH’s new Flock cameras raise privacy concerns MARIA KRYLOVA

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @PAPAS_MARIAIA

Last week, while stuck in afternoon traffic driving home from campus, I got too invested in my music and bumped the truck in front of me. My Civic could not hold up to the bulk of a Ford F-150, leaving my pride damaged and two pinky-sized indentations in my bumper. Thanks to the rise of Flock cameras, those tiny dents could now be the key to someone tracking my car across the country.

The function of Flock cameras In the past few months, the University quietly implemented a new technology as part of its campus security upgrade. Flock cameras aren’t just “modernized” security cameras. These black, teardropshaped devices use artificial intelligence to automatically record identifying features of passing vehicles, from minor scratches to bumper stickers. Unlike regular security cameras, which require individual footage review, Flock stores search data in a network accessible to at least 5,000 law enforcement agencies. This national surveillance system can then be used to track people across state lines.

Abuses, faults The use of Flock cameras on campus raises serious privacy concerns for UH students. People should have the right to move freely, but now, regardless of criminal record, individuals are being tracked by unknown organizations. Concerningly, there is very little oversight in who can access this information and for what purpose; there have already been cases of police officers abusing these cameras to stalk their exes. An insecure network of cameras could increase the risk of harassment instead of reducing it. In addition, AI-powered security systems are notorious for racial profiling. Automatic license plate readers have flagged false positives for stolen vehicles in the past, leading to innocent arrests or even being held at gunpoint.

Not “community-chosen” UH students have long been concerned about safety, following a series of robberies and sexual assaults in 2025. It’s troubling that the University did not announce its decision to use Flock cameras publicly. Flock states that “communities shouldn’t have to choose between public safety and privacy,” yet the UH community didn’t choose Flock.

Flock cameras placed outside of Cougar Place, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

We did not choose an intrusive, faulty system that puts undocumented, minority and female students at risk, especially when it hasn’t proven to reduce crime. On the first day of this semester, a young woman was groped by a non-UH-affiliated man in the very heart of campus in broad daylight. The suspect was caught and arrested, not by a fancy camera, but by ordinary campus police officers. That is the type of security we need: present, human officers ready to defend, not distant eyes conducting mass surveillance from afar.

I am not afraid of these cameras because I have something to hide. I fear them because laws change and what is legal today can become a crime tomorrow. Only a few years ago, abortion was federally protected; now a woman traveling out of Texas for one can be digitally tracked and arrested. The eye of a camera always appears unobtrusive until it turns on you. UH should protect its students, not turn campus into a place where Big Brother gains another set of eyes. opinion@thedailycougar.com

POLITICS

Mamdani’s restraint is what our democracy needs The value of political restraint

Lily Huynh/The Cougar NANAKI MATHARU

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @NANAKIMATHARU

When politicians are asked about the next office they might run for, the answer is usually predictable. They dodge the question or give a careful answer that keeps speculation alive. Power in American politics is often treated as something to chase, not something to hold with care. That is why New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s answer to a question about presidential eligibility stood out. In a June interview with ABC News,

Mamdani was asked whether the Constitution’s “natural born citizen” requirement should be amended so foreign-born citizens could run for president. The question was personal for Mamdani, who was born outside the United States and is not eligible to run under the current requirement. He rejected the idea. But the response was notable because it showed something increasingly rare in today’s politics: a willingness to accept a limit, even when that boundary applies directly to the politician.

In a democracy, restraint matters. It is not as exciting as a campaign clip or a sweeping promise, but it is one of the qualities that keeps public service from becoming pure ambition. Elected offices should not be treated as a ladder where every position is valuable only because it leads to a higher one. Mamdani’s early work as New York City mayor puts that idea into practice. His administration has focused heavily on affordability, especially housing and child care. In May, his office released “Block by Block,” a housing plan that set goals to build 200,000 new affordable homes and preserve many more over the next decade.

Sticking to one role Whether someone supports the policy or not, it reflects a mayor using his platform to address city-level pressures rather than turning every conversation toward his political future. That distinction matters because too many politicians campaign for one job while already auditioning for another. They use local offices to build a national brand, treat governing as

background noise and ask voters to trust them with more authority before proving what they can do with the power they already have. Democracy depends on more than elections. It depends on leaders who understand that public power has boundaries. The Constitution is not supposed to bend every time ambition runs into it.

Why ambition needs boundaries Mamdani will continue to face criticism and he should. His policies, budget choices and leadership style deserve public debate. Respecting restraint does not mean refusing to question him. American politics does not need more leaders who see every office as a stepping stone. It needs leaders willing to govern where they are, to respect the boundaries of their role and to understand that ambition without restraint is dangerous. Mamdani’s response was a small moment, but such actions can reveal what kind of politics a leader believes in. In a democracy, that alone defines the limits a leader is willing to respect, rather than the power they seek. opinion@thedailycougar.com

6 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

opinion

NASHLY RAMIREZ Opinion Editor @thedailycougar

WEATHER

Texas heat is changing, AI is part of the reason heat waves, but the newest contributor is artificial intelligence. AI has become a part of everyday life and users may not realize that every prompt is processed in massive data centers consuming large amounts of electricity. As a result, AI facilities require volumes of water for evaporative cooling to keep their servers operating smoothly. Although AI is not the sole cause of climate change, it is certainly expanding the world’s carbon and energy footprint. Energy demand continues to grow and Texas data centers place additional strain on the state power grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

Hailey Nguyen / The Cougar YOCELIN REAL OPINION ASSISTANT EDITOR @THEREALBYLINE

Texas has always been known for its hot summers. Long days by the river and sweat-soaked afternoons have become routine for us. We don’t anticipate the recordbreaking heat every summer. The mugginess is lasting longer, nights are staying warmer and all-time highs

Finding innovative solutions continue to break. It’s no longer just “normal Texas weather.” It is part of a larger pattern.

The hidden cause Climate patterns have always fluctuated, but today’s extreme heat is becoming increasingly common. Texas is feeling these effects firsthand. Scientists agree that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are driving

The infrastructure supporting AI carries high environmental costs that are often overlooked. Investing in renewable microgrids and waterless cooling systems for their data centers could help transition toward clean infrastructure. Without it, AI’s continued growth could contribute significantly to climate change.

The ecological toll

These extreme temperatures affect almost every part of our daily lives. Outdoor workers, patients and healthy individuals experience heat exhaustion, fatigue and respiratory problems. For families without reliable air conditioning, these conditions become more than inconvenient, they become a direct threat. Wildlife is also at risk. As water sources shrink, droughts intensify and animals struggle to find basic resources.

Choose action Texas heat records are being challenged every year, no longer just every few decades. We complain about the heat, but actually addressing it requires government action, corporate responsibility and individual compliance. Making sustainable choices is a good place to start. It’s no longer just another hot Texas summer. It’s evidence of a world that demands attention before today’s record-breaking climate becomes tomorrow’s baseline. opinion@thedailycougar.com

READING

Fan fiction is important to saving youth literacy NANAKI MATHARU

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @NANAKIMATHARU

For years, fan fiction has been viewed as amateur writing rather than a legitimate creative outlet. But that criticism ignores one of the most obvious truths about young readers. They have not stopped caring about stories. They just want to participate in them. Fan fiction allows readers to engage with stories beyond the page. It allows them to rewrite endings, expand character arcs and explore identities that may be missing from mainstream books. A background character can become the lead. A world that once felt limited can be expanded. At its core, fan fiction is participatory literature. Readers are not just consuming a story. They are responding to it, reshaping it and even publishing their own versions.

More than a corner of the internet That participation is part of what makes fan fiction so influential. Platforms such as Archive of Our Own and Wattpad have given young people access to writing communities without needing a publisher. Archive of Our Own has grown into one of the largest fan fiction archives

online, with 10 million registered users and 17 million works across thousands of fandoms. Wattpad has also become a major platform for writers, with stories from original fiction to fandom-inspired work. The size of these platforms shows that fan fiction is not a small corner of the internet. It is a major part of how young people read, write and talk about stories. For young adults, fan fiction makes reading feel personal. Instead of being told what matters in a story, readers decide what characters and themes to follow. That freedom is especially important for young readers who rarely see themselves represented in traditional publishing.

Learning outside the classroom Fan fiction also works as an informal writing workshop. Writers often receive comments from readers after each chapter. Not every comment is a formal critique, but instead includes encouragement, grammar corrections, suggestions or emotional reactions. Educators describe fan fiction communities as spaces where writers learn through fans’ feedback. That motivation matters at a time when many educators and literacy organizations are concerned about young

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

people reading less for enjoyment. Fan fiction offers a different path. It may not always look like traditional reading, but it still requires interpretation, analysis, creativity and revision. Unlike traditional classrooms, these platforms are built around choice. Writers are motivated because they care about the characters and the people reading their work. Like an English class, fan fiction asks readers to analyze characters, themes, and conflicts. The difference is that fandom writing lets them do it through stories they already love.

publishing, stories that once lived in online fandom spaces now shape books, television and pop culture. Writers who began in online archives have gone on to publish original books and publishers now pay closer attention to these online platforms in search of new talent. For many young adults, fan fiction is not a guilty pleasure. It is their first library and first creative home. It is not the opposite of literature. It is proof that young people were never satisfied with only being readers, but instead loved stories enough to start writing their own.

Rewriting the literary canon

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Also influencing mainstream

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

life and arts

Karen Wei News Editor @thedailycougar

Graphic by Isabel Bustos, Lily Huynh, Nina To | Photos by Oscar Herrera Writer: Karen Wei

Campus trends: What Coogs are wearing around campus Fashion on campus is a glimpse of the effervescent in the ordinary: a pop of color in a sea of plain wear, a quiet confidence in the demeanor or a hint of a playful spirit emerging from an otherwise grounded academic environment.

i The Cougar

thedailycougar.com

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Gauraangi Gupta MANAGING EDITOR

Anjali Martinez NEWS EDITOR

Karen Wei

SPORTS EDITOR

Micah Clay

OPINION EDITOR

Nashly Ramirez SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

The Cougar profiled the most stylish students on campus,

April Badmus Maria Krylova Nanaki Matharu

from physics sophomore Anh Dang who describes her style as alternative to nursing sophomore Sam Bamidele, who combined Doc Martens with silver earrings

Eshal Sherwani, who brought elevated style to a session at the library.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lily Huynh WEB EDITOR

Kelsey Williamson ASSISTANT EDITORS

Celene Boureslan Isabel Bustos Daniel Contreras Oscar Herrera Gia Mejia Yocelin Real Nina To David Soto Umniyah Alazzawi

ISSUE STAFF CLOSING EDITORS

Gauraangi Gupta Anjali Martinez

from the Makers’ Market, to chemical engineering freshman

PHOTO EDITOR

Gillian Wisniewski

COVER

Lily Huynh Matthew Guzman Nina To

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“Fashion means showing up for yourself every day, especially in my studies,” Sherwani said. “If I look good, I feel good. As cliche as that sounds, it is true and it helps me do my studies better honestly.” news@thedailycougar.com

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