Issue 6, Vol. 92 by The Cougar

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Issue 6, Volume 92

Est. 1934

KAREN WEI | news@thedailycougar.com

ELECTION

In review: The 2026 midterm election season at UH KAREN WEI

NEWS EDITOR

@KAREN_FEIWEI

Midterm election season began with voter registration tables that popped up in campus walkways and outside University buildings. From there, it quickly accelerated into policy discussions, civic debates and visits by the biggest names in Texas politics, all in the sprint to Nov. 3: Election Day. This year’s midterm elections brought an unparalleled energy to UH. There was hope, to be sure, but also worry, anger, fear and a stark awareness that eyes across the nation were on the Texas gubernatorial and senatorial races. Here’s a recap of a midterm election season on campus.

Hinojosa, Talarico deliver remarks Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa and Democratic senatorial candidate James Talarico both visited campus, Talarico on Oct. 21 and Hinojosa the day after. Talarico, as part of his Clear Eyes Full Hearts Tour, spoke on his politics and hopes for Texas’ future to a crowd of students at the Hilton Hotel. “I love his saying that it’s not

left or right, it’s us versus the top,” said Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party Tracy Gibson. “He’s going to make sure that we all have affordable prices and that we can all be able to live the American dream.” Talarico has labeled this election as ‘us versus the billionaires’, centering his campaign on affordability and lowering prices. Supporters of Talarico voiced their hopes that Texas would turn blue by voting a Democrat into office. Texas has had two Republican senators continuously since 2002, and at least one Republican senator since 1961. As a result, Talarico has compared blue voters in Texas to David in the Biblical story of David versus Goliath. Hinojosa’s remarks focused on the importance of the youth vote. Her address at Butler Plaza, which laid out campaign promises around public education, distributing refund checks to Texas households and freezing electricity rates, drew an enthusiastic group of students who were able to meet with her and take photos. “I’m really grateful she made the time to come out,” said political science sophomore Magen Ali. “I know campus campaigning time is really busy for a lot of politicians, so for her to be able to come out and see students one-on-one and take pictures, it shows her dedication and her care, and like that she’s actually going to fight for the people.” Former U.S. rep. Beto O’Rourke was also present at the event and emphasized the need for voter turnout. “When you vote, make sure

that you share it on your social media feeds, in the chats, with your roommates, with your friends and with your family,” O’Rourke said. “It is a social habit. When your friends see that you’re voting, they are more likely to vote as well. So let’s make sure that we turn out in record numbers.”

Opposing takes Contrasting agendas from Democrats and Republicans were met with starkly different student perspectives. When it comes to the role of religion in education, President of UH Democrats and political science senior Jonathan Alvarenga advocated for inclusion of religions outside of Christianity, whereas president of Texas College of Republicans and political science junior Christian Mandujano said the Bible teaches K-12 students morality at an early age. “With other cultural diversities, the problem is they also do have their morals, but you’re in the United States and they were founded on Christian morality,” Mandujano said. “There is a benefit to starting teaching the basics at a young level: be careful, be more obedient, less aggressive. The more you educate them on the wrongdoings, the better you can have a good generation and teach them at a young age.” Alvarenga and Mandujano also diverge in their thinking on opportunities for undocumented students. Alvarenga argues that the problem is not these students seeking education but the issue Republicans find with students who came to Texas the “wrong way.” “At the end of the day, it really

just shows that it’s not about Dreamers, it’s not about whether they come here, however they want them to come here. It’s just a matter of prejudice against folks that aren’t, in their words, ‘from here’,” Alvarenga said. “If it really was about promoting education, making sure folks go to school, get a job and contribute to the economy, they’d have no issue with this.” And while Democrats are advocating for the restoration and protection of reproductive rights for women in Texas, Republicans are urging lawmakers to enact legislation to abolish abortion entirely.

Voting for change Texas saw above-average voter turnout, surpassing its 2022 numbers by 1.75 million voters. UH voters said their personal investment in policies played a major role in driving them to the ballot box. “Everything involving ICE, because my family is immigrants, so that’s something

that really stands out to me,” said media production sophomore Ye-Jin Lee. Young voters saw the midterm elections as an opportunity to correct issues going unresolved, speaking to the need to be aware and actively vote. “If you don’t vote, you’re not gonna see a change, and a lot of the times the people who say they don’t vote are saying there’s no change,” said communications senior Emilee Gurrola. “So how are you gonna see a change if you don’t vote? Everyone says ‘my vote doesn’t matter’. But it does.” news@thedailycougar.com

Coming up:

Pg. 4 Willie Fritz talks about future Pg. 7 HOCO keeps American culture alive

2 | Wednesday, November 4, 2026

news

KAREN WEI News Editor @thedailycougar

CONSTRUCTION

Auxiliary Services previews new dining commons CELENE BOURESLAN NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR @CELENE_BOURESLAN

Auxiliary Services gave a first look at the campus’ new Dining Commons during its groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 19. Construction is underway on Lynn Eusan Park for a new 64,000-squarefoot dining facility to replace the Moody Towers’ Dining Commons. The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated this milestone with an interactive, student-centered event featuring food, music and engagement activities, said Interim Executive Director of Auxiliary Services DaNesha Allen. “Dining is a place where we focus on belonging and really creating a great experience for our students,” Allen said. “One of the ways we’re able to do that is by creating facilities that really complement and accommodate everyone.” The event featured four renderings of the new dining commons, two of which showcased the exterior of the building, while the other two featured the interior design of the cafeteria and seating areas. The building’s exterior is white, contains numerous clear windows and is surrounded by several light bulbs. The cafeterias feature a color scheme of

Students participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at the University of Houston on October 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Celene Boureslan/The Cougar

brown and red, with brown tables and red seats. It’s important to note that these renderings are not final versions but serve solely as a preview of what the project may look like, said Director of Auxiliary Services Matt Oltremari. The new facility will have multiple dining stations, including one to accommodate students with allergens and dietary restrictions and a multifunctional space for dining and

studying, Allen said. Students liked the gatherings, saying that the new design looks modern and polished. They also said that they were looking forward to having more dining options. “Both the dining halls have repetitive menus that they rotate throughout, so it kind of gets tiring after you’ve eaten there for a while,” said biology sophomore Dillan Dang. “I feel like having another option to go to and eat provides a new

perspective.” During the event, the University’s business partners, Coca-Cola and Monster, as well as UH Dining Services, provided food and beverages for students, faculty and staff. The event also featured a sandpit where attendees could pick up shovels, helmets and aprons to take photos and play in the sand. Students living in the Cougar Villages said that they are looking forward to a new dining commons that is closer to where they live and operates 24/7. “I’m excited for a new campus dining hall, especially one closer to the Cougar Villages,” said political science freshman Elijah Thomson. “The Moody Towers’ Dining Commons is also really close, but I hate that it closes at certain times, so hopefully this new one operates for 24 hours and is closer.” The University will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. The Centennial Construction Project is a multi-million dollar effort to renovate campus, including projects aimed at modernizing University Drive, Centennial Plaza and Wilhelmina’s Grove. news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 3 CAMPUS

Dia de los Muertos celebration brings together community, cultural pride KAREN WEI NEWS EDITOR @KAREN_FEIWEI

UH held a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center South Houston room. The event, in partnership with the Council for Cultural Activities, Somos UH and UH MAES, featured sugar skull painting, a live DJ and foods including empanadas and pan de muerto. “The decoration is really colorful, which is kind of reminiscent of the Mexican colors, and there’s music, so it’s really encapsulating and there’s food and painting,” said strategic communications senior Mikayla Ouellette. “It’s a good time.” Ouellette, who is Mexican-American, said the event helps branch between different cultures. Though Dia de los Muertos is a holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico, the event was open to the entire UH student body. “We love to connect with all the students that are learning about the culture and we love to share with them bits and pieces of our cultures: this pan de muerto, the Jarritos, the empanadas, all of that which I grew up with and some people haven’t had the opportunity to experience,” said President of UH MAES Patrick Ortega. UH MAES: Latinos in Science and Engineering, has been a part of Dia de los Muertos for the event’s entire history, according to Ortega. While tabling at the event, Ortega reflected that the organization’s mission of advancing representation of Latinos in leadership has endured even through the pandemic. “Part of our culture is resiliency, and especially in the years of 2020, where a lot of student organizations took a very large hit in their membership, I think the reason why we were able to be resilient is deeply ingrained in our own culture within the organization,” Ortega said. “Because we believe in what we’re doing, there’s nothing we won’t stop at to make sure that we continue doing it.” Somos UH also tabled at the event.

Vice President Renzo Biassi said their main mission is to unite students and grow their community, especially by meeting new people and socializing with interested students. “New students, freshmen especially, a lot of times they come on campus and they don’t have a strong network established yet,” Biassi said. “So we exist to help them build the foundations to that network to have a safety net to fall back on, where they can interact with people that are similar to them, and welcome them in with open arms in events like this.” The Council of Cultural Activities promoted its event, Cultural Explosion, which will be on Nov. 19. CCA helps fund the Dia de los Muertos celebration. “We want to help promote and make sure all cultures are included inside of the University of Houston,” said CCA council liaison Ammara Hussain. The opportunity to combine tradition with art and beauty was not lost on fine arts fifth-year Nathalia Trejo, who painted her face in the style of a Catrina, an iconic female skeleton. “It’s a caricature because Mexico suffered from a lot of colonialism, so an artist created La Catrina,” Trejo said. “Because a lot of Hispanics, even to this day, have this shame of being indigenous, he created this skeleton with a very vibrant European fashion. It was to basically call out the culture, basically saying, you can dress all white, all European, but you’re still indigenous.” For Trejo, representation is key. “To get out and to celebrate cultures, it goes a big way,” Trejo said. news@thedailycougar.com

University of Houston hosts a Día de los Muertos celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 in Houston. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

4 | Wednesday, November 4, 2026

sports

MICAH CLAY Sports Editor @thedailycougar

FOOTBALL

Midseason recap: Cougars own highest rank in 10 years

Nina To/The Cougar COREY HUNTER SPORTS WRITER @COREYYY_HUNTER

At 6-2 and ranked No. 17 nationally, Houston is on pace for its best season in a decade. Houston is fourth in the Big 12 Conference, with Utah, Texas Tech and BYU in front of them. The Cougars own the third-highestscoring offense in the conference, with 288 points scored over eight games so far. They also have the 12th-best offense in the FBS in yards per game, with 470.5.

Fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman has been outstanding this season. So far, he’s posted a 20-for-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, 2,053 yards through the air, and a passer rating of 166.1. He has also added 249 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas and senior tight end Patrick Overmeyer have been Weigman’s go-to guys this season. Thomas leads the team in receiving yards with 620 yards and six touchdowns on 41 catches, leading the

team in receptions. Overmeyer has 39 catches, 432 yards and seven touchdowns. The transfer tight end from UTSA had a game to remember against Kansas State, where he caught four of his seven touchdowns, tying the NCAA record for most touchdowns scored by a tight end in a game. Houston’s running back duo of senior Makhi Hughes and junior Re’Shaun Sanford has been very efficient this season. Hughes is at 4.4 yards per carry on 117 carries, while Sanford sits at 5.1 on 87. Both have rushed for 400+ yards with three scores from Hughes and two from Sanford. These two have been key pieces for this offense, being the second wrinkle to what has been a top offense this season in college football. The Cougars’ defense has also had some nice showings. Despite secondhalf struggles against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, the defense has performed well this season. They’ve allowed 21 points per game so far. Houston has combined for 14 sacks, with defensive lineman Ashton Porter leading the team with three. However, the secondary is one of the Cougars’ weakest units, ranking fourth-worst in

pass defense with 257.4 yards allowed per game. The Cougars now face the Cincinnati Bearcats for their homecoming game after a bye week. With four more games left for Houston, every one matters in order to reach the conference championship. sports@thedailycougar.com

Houston Wide Receiver Amare Thomas (0) celebrates a first down against the Oklahoma State University Cowboys on October 17, 2026 in Houston. | Mikele Rodriguez/The Cougar

FOOTBALL

Willie Fritz reflects on Utah loss, hope against Cinncinati Houston advances to No.17 spot in AP poll, continues ranking streak MICAH CLAY

SPORTS EDITOR

@MCJOSH_BTW_PODCAST

Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz is in his third year with the football program. After a loss against Utah, Fritz reflected on it in the post-game press conference on Oct. 24. “There are a bunch of plays that we’d love to have back, but unfortunately that’s not the way it works,” Fritz said. “(Utah) made plays when they needed to and did a very good job.” In the first half, Houston’s defense allowed zero points and limited the offensive potential of Utah’s rushing and passing game. However, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier and company found an opening in the second half to break away. “Second half we didn’t play quite as well,” Fritz said. “(Dampier) really made a difference. The first team really ran the ball effectively against us.” Tight end Patrick Overmyer suffered an injury in the game, which was one of Weigman’s top targets throughout this season. Fritz reflected on how much that affected their game. “(Overmyer) has been a great weapon for us in the red zone and we weren’t able to have him down there,” Fritz said. “We still need to score.” Fritz also talked about how elite teams in the Big 12 have been, since Texas Tech and BYU lost in that same week. “It’s one of the things about the Big

MICAH CLAY SPORTS EDITOR @MCJOSH_BTW_PODCAST

Houston head coach Willie Fritz smiles during the fourth quarter of an NCAA College Football match between the University of Central Florida and the University of Houston Cougars on October 3, 2026, at TDECU Stadium in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

12. Eeverybody’s pretty good,” Fritz said. “There’s a lot of good teams in this league. You don’t come to play, you’re going to get beat.” Now, with four more games left in the regular season, Fritz talked about taking one game at a time. “You got to take em one at a time. One of our slogans is 1-0 and our guys will never catch me looking ahead or looking back behind,” Fritz said.

Heading into this game, Fritz wants to improve in the offense, defense and special teams. “We want to improve in all three areas,” Fritz said. “There are some things we definitely want to improve on.” Houston is currently sitting at No. 17 in the AP poll and is looking to bounce back against Cincinnati on Nov. 7 at TDECU Stadium.

The Houston Cougars rose from No. 18 spot to No. 17 in the most recent AP poll on Nov. 1. They are also No. 18 in the AFCA Coaches poll,which is one spot higher from last week when they were No. 19. The Cougars are returning from a bye week and a loss against No. 3 Utah the week before that. They now face Cincinnati on Nov. 7 for their homecoming game. According to Houston Athletics, the first College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Additionally, the Cougars continue their longest streak in the AP poll since the 1990 season. With four more games left, the Cougars hope to stay ranked until the end of the college football season. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5 SOCCER

Houston Defeats TCU, 2-0 first victory against Horned Frogs in 24 years CODY STRICKLER SPORTS WRITER @CODYSTRICKLER_SPORTSREPORTER

UH women’s soccer team hosted the Texas Christian Horned Frogs at the Carl Lewis International Complex in Houston. The Cougars shut out TCU and gave them limited chances to score. The Cougars won the match by a score of 2-0. The match started back and forth between both teams trying to get an early goal. Both the Cougars and the Horned Frogs got downfield, but the defense for each team stopped all chances for a goal. Houston got the scoring started with a goal by junior forward Jada Arthurs, who scored the first goal of the match. Sophomore forwards Samira Minor and Cate Bailey administered the assist in the 20th minute to put the Cougars up 1-0. In the second half, Houston controlled the ball more, keeping the Horned Frogs from tying the game. TCU had a couple of chances to get the ball close to the goal, but Houston’s defense kept the Horned Frogs off the board. “We definitely matched their aggression, maybe probably topped it, “ senior midfielder Ava Shannon said. “When we did that, we got on the ball and played our game.” Houston scored in the 65th minute from a goal by Shannon. Senior forward Adelhia Ghonda was awarded the assist,

Houston midfielder Ava Shannon (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half of an NCAA college soccer match against Texas Christian University on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 in Houston. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

which put the Cougars up 2-0, which was also the final score. TCU kept Houston on their toes towards the end of the match, but the Cougars kept composed and kept the Horned Frogs from scoring. “Getting that second goal helped kill any kind of momentum they had,” Arthurs said. With the win, the Cougars have

accrued their first victory against TCU in 24 years. This also marks the first time since 2021 that Houston has won five conference games in a season. “This team is a history-making team,” Shannon said. I think we will continue to make history.” The victory gives Houston momentum moving forward for the last three games of the season.

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“Momentum is everything, especially a road trip where we played three games in eight days in three different time zones,” head coach Ben Williams said. “It’s a great spring into the last three games.” The Cougars move to 11-3-4 and will face Baylor in Waco, Texas on Nov. 5 at 7 pm. sports@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, November 4, 2026

opinion

NASHLY RAMIREZ Opinion Editor @thedailycougar

COMEDY

The problem with offensive stand-up comedy “Cornell 7” lawsuit.

Discrimination hiding behind a punchline

Isabella Nguyen/The Cougar

RION LOMAX STAFF WRITER @RION.CHARLOTTE08

On Oct. 10, 2026, stand-up comedian Shane Gillis hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the third time. In his opening monologue, he joked, “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dressed like whores now.” Though Gillis had hosted the show twice before, he was set to become an official cast member in 2019, but he was fired before his

debut. Videos of him using anti-Asian slurs and making several other jokes rooted in racist stereotypes surfaced, receiving significant backlash online. Despite the fact that Gillis has a history of including misogyny and racism in his sets and was even fired from SNL previously, they still brought him back to host once again. They allowed him to make these comments on live television, at a time when concerns about sexual violence towards women are already being amplified by the

Gillis’ joke was unnecessary and degrading, using a derogatory term to describe women he had never met. By allowing the remark to air without consequence, “SNL” reinforced the idea that misogyny is acceptable when disguised as comedy. Whether the audience laughed out of genuine amusement or discomfort, the reaction raises concerns about how casually racism and misogyny are treated as entertainment. Comedians have the freedom to push boundaries, but that doesn’t mean their words should be free from criticism. When offensive remarks are repeatedly excused as harmless humor, it becomes easier to dismiss the harm they can cause to the people being targeted.

Holding comedians accountable Regardless of the context they are made in, jokes rooted in discrimination hold the same weight for the groups targeted by them.

For someone outside the group, it may be comedic relief, while for someone in the group, it serves as a reminder of how the world views them. It also reflects the stereotypical, derogatory beliefs still held about them today. In an ordinary social interaction, these kinds of remarks would be unacceptable, but in these performance settings, they’re seen as typical punchlines. If stand-up comedians continue to lack restraint in making these offensive remarks, they perpetuate the normalization of racism, the objectification of women and misogyny. There need to be greater consequences for these “jokes,” especially when they are broadcast live for the entire world to hear. Our world is already deeply riddled with enough prejudices and stereotypes without these kinds of comments being normalized. Making something a joke doesn’t erase the severity of the situation; it just turns hate and anger into something human society is far more likely to accept. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 7 HOMECOMING

Homecoming is proof that American culture exists traditions rooted in community rather than commercialism.

A century-old tradition

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar

MARIA KRYLOVA SENIOR STAFF WRITER @PAPAS_MARIAIA

Homecoming is proof of American culture. The only thing other nations love more than making fun of American culture is pretending we don’t have any. Homecoming proves them wrong. The Oxford English Dictionary defines culture as “the distinctive ideas, customs, social behavior, products, or way of life of a particular nation, society, people, or period.” The U.S. certainly fits all the criteria. The problem is that American culture is so globalized that it has lost much of its “distinctive” identity. T-shirts and jeans became staples of

American fashion, but now people wear them worldwide. Fast food restaurants originated in Kansas, most blockbuster movies come out of Hollywood and entire music genres like rap and hip-hop were made in New York. The U.S. developed sports like baseball, basketball and volleyball, and many posts claiming Americans lack culture are typed on iPhones and shared on American-made social media apps. American culture is world culture, but people often criticize it as too commercialized or credit it solely to immigrant communities within the U.S. While capitalism and influences from around the world have shaped much of American culture, homecoming week shows Americans also have local

Although several colleges claim to have invented homecoming, Baylor hosted an early homecoming celebration in 1909 to welcome alumni back to campus. Now, more than 100 years later, UH carries on this uniquely American tradition. One hallmark of homecoming is crowning a homecoming king and queen, who march onto the field wearing giant homemade chrysanthemums. In true American fashion, students vote for the “royalty,” reflecting U.S. values of democracy and representative government. What’s more American than electing a fake monarchy for a school popularity contest during a football game? Tailgating is another American ritual that grew out of the country’s obsession with sports and cars. The first tailgate was just a small procession of horse-drawn carriages in 1891, where people ate sandwiches on the way to a Princeton-Yale game. The automobile helped this tradition grow, and today’s tailgates are sprawling seas of RVs, grills and sound systems. Fans arrive hours early, turning the backs of their Ford F-150s into functional food trucks and feeding complete strangers in the shared spirit of the game. People eat themselves sick on burgers and Philly cheesesteaks, everyone brings

their dogs and someone gets into a fist fight after drinking too many Jack and Cokes. While fans in other countries also socialize and drink before games, those gatherings often take place in bars or at home. Nothing comes close to the massive, outdoor event that is American tailgating, because nobody loves football, drinking and parking lots as much as we do. Tailgating has no corporate or foreign origin—just classic, homegrown trashtalking and fun. The variety of events across individual campuses also captures the great American spirit. Every American college is united by its marching band, cheerleaders and football games, but UH’s bed races and Canstruction events differ from the University of Missouri’s enormous blood drives and the University of Miami’s Boat Burning ceremony. Each college’s unique homecoming traditions reflect the United States’ incredible diversity and show that Americans don’t have just one culture. We have hundreds. Whether it’s a packed football stadium or a campus tradition passed down for generations, these celebrations give students and alumni a sense of identity that goes beyond the university itself. opinion@thedailycougar.com

TECHNOLOGY

Flying cars may create more problems than they solve NASHLY RAMIREZ OPINION EDITOR @NASHLYSNEWS

In 1977, a local Ohio newspaper asked middle schoolers to predict what they thought would happen by the year 2000. By 2026, many of their predictions had come true: they predicted that women could become astronauts, that we would have robot assistants and that we would have flying cars. One of those predictions seemed unrealistic just a few weeks ago, but now we can’t say that we’ll start going to the gym once cars fly. On Oct. 15 in McGregor, Texas, Tesla and SpaceX unveiled what it described as the first-ever flying car: the Tesla Roadster. But before anyone gets too excited about flying over I-10 traffic, think again. Flying cars may sound like the next big step in technological innovation, but just because we have the technology to make something possible doesn’t mean we should. Between the safety risks of putting everyday drivers in the sky, Tesla’s history of ambitious promises and whether flying cars would actually solve any of our transportation problems. This futuristic dream seems to bring more complications than benefits.

The reality of flying cars Sitting in Houston traffic leaves plenty

of time to daydream, and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t imagined how amazing it would be for my car to grow wings and fly past the seemingly endless line of cars. But now, instead of imagining how convenient flying cars could be, I find myself thinking about the horrifying logistics of making them a reality. People already struggle to follow basic traffic laws. Between distracted drivers, speeding and people who seem to forget turn signals exist, it’s hard to imagine how those same behaviors would translate to the sky. After all, nobody would feel comfortable knowing their airplane pilot was distracted while flying, so why should we trust everyday drivers with that same responsibility? Introducing flying cars would also mean creating an entirely new transportation system in the sky. Roads already rely on traffic lights, designated lanes, intersections and countless regulations to keep drivers safe. Bringing cars into the air would require similar systems, along with new rules to prevent midair collisions. And when accidents inevitably happen, what happens to the debris? One second, you could be walking to class, and the next, you’re dodging someone’s front bumper falling from the sky.

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

If we already struggle to manage traffic on the ground, adding another layer of transportation above us could create more problems than it solves.

Tesla’s history of delays Beyond safety concerns, Tesla’s history of ambitious promises raises questions about the future of flying cars. In 2020, Tesla announced plans for a $25,000 electric vehicle expected in 2023, but eventually abandoned the conventional model. Now, its next-generation Roadster requires a $250,000 upfront payment for the Founders Series, with no guarantee of when customers will receive their vehicles, if at all.

Originally announced in 2017 with production expected in 2020, the Roadster has yet to be delivered. At what point does innovation become another expensive promise consumers are expected to wait years for? Flying cars have represented the future for decades, but maybe some ideas are better left in science fiction. Innovation should make our lives easier, not create more problems. As much as I’d love to fly over Houston traffic, I’d rather improve the transportation systems we already have than wait for an expensive car that may never take off. opinion@thedailycougar.com

8 | Wednesday, November 4, 2026

life and arts

Karen Wei News Editor @thedailycougar

APRIL’S ANGLE

April’s Angle: Your guide to combating voting FOMO APRIL BADMUS SENIOR STAFF WRITER @ITZ_APRULLL

During midterm election season, as the emphasis on voter registration increases, some of us are left feeling unfulfilled and upset at the reality that voting isn’t possible or accessible quite yet. The important thing to remember is that not being able to vote doesn’t mean you have to be absent for the democratic process. There are many ways to remain civically engaged without casting a ballot. Being a permanent resident or an immigrant can leave students in a weird limbo of feelings which can quickly spiral into political apathy, but I’m here to tell you that your inability to vote should not stop you from being a part of the change. There are many ways to stay engaged in politics even without voting. Being an advocate is one of the most important roles in today’s age. An essential part of politics is outreach and awareness, being a resource to voters and candidates is a great way to stay engaged. Keep yourself in the loop with campaigns and potential surveys that could help law makers have a better understanding of the community you are a part of.

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar

Using your platform is another important way to stay engaged in politics. These days, we can observe an influx of misinformation online, taking the time to do research on the topics you’re passionate about and using your platform– regardless of how small, can help get information out to voters and educate others.

Indifference can be a major issue in today’s political climate, so make sure that you understand the importance of taking a stance and fully understanding what that means for your society. Prioritize having conversations that matter. Having meaningful conversations about political issues can be enlightening for

everyone involved. You could play a part in someone’s breakthrough and further their decisions. You don’t have to agree on everything to create space for productive dialogue. Voting is not the only measure of civil responsibility! You have many options for engagement, especially on a college campus. Join organizations that emphasize voter registration and take the chance to learn more about the process. Volunteering with organizations can leave you with more knowledge than you imagined, take every opportunity to enlighten peers about issues that might be lacking advocacy. Participation in organizations like the Student Government Association that mimic democratic institutions can also fulfill the need to engage with your community. Lastly, allow yourself to feel the FOMO, but it shouldn’t hold you back. It’s okay to feel left out, especially if voting and politics is something you genuinely value, not being able to participate can be frustrating. Use your motivation to play a part in change. Hold on to this feeling and channel it into productivity! You are not alone, find people that might also be passionate about civic engagement, this could help you find your voice. news@thedailycougar.com

THROUGH THE ARCHIVES

A glimpse inside the UH Archives: The University’s history IGNACIO PINTO-VAQUERA

one of the University’s historic homecoming moments. In 1968, Lynn Eusan made history by becoming not only UH’s first Black homecoming queen, but at any predominantly white university in the Southern United States. Eusan was also a civil rights activist and a member of the Afro-Americans for Black Liberation.

STAFF WRITER @LGNXCIO

Located on the second floor of the MD Anderson Library, right past the stairs, the UH Archives stores exclusive historical collections that offer a glimpse into the University’s past. From the early editions of The Cougar to yearbooks, scrapbooks and architecture records, the Archives recounts the story of how UH and its student community have grown and blossomed over the last 100 years.

How to get involved

What are the UH Archives? The UH Archives documents the history of the University since its founding in 1927 through administrative and department records, faculty papers, the records of alumni and student organizations, as well as University publications, including budgets, official reports, the student newspaper and Houstonian yearbooks. University archivist Mary Manning oversees the preservation of special collections, assists scholars in their research and works with donors to acquire new materials. Manning ensures that the archives physically protect the collections. “It’s really temperature, humidity and light that’s the biggest factor,” Manning said. Katy Allred, one of the archivists, works primarily on organizing historical collections so they can be easily accessed by

An excerpt from the 1969 Houstonian yearbook, preserved in the UH Archives, shows Lynn Eusan making history as UH’s first Black Homecoming queen. | Photo courtesy of UH Archives

researchers. “When collections come in, sometimes they’re organized and sometimes it’s a stack of papers thrown in a box,” Allred said.

Inside the collections The Archives offer more than University records. They are an inside look at how student life has changed over the years. Among these materials are student scrapbooks that date back to 1927, when

UH was still known as Houston Junior College. The scrapbooks were put together by the students, composed of photographs, newspaper clippings and other materials, documenting students’ experiences over the years. “Now that they’re digitized, anyone with an internet connection can browse them at their leisure,” Manning said. With UH celebrating homecoming week, the archives recount the underdog story at

Getting involved in the Archives allows students to grow and research with exclusive materials. Students can browse through the UH Libraries Special Collections website and select specific materials to examine in person. The archives have rules set in place in order to protect these valuable materials, but Manning emphasized that the collections are meant to be explored. “We have all of these rules, but we don’t want to be gatekeepers,” Manning said. “We want you to use our collections.” The UH Archives’ records served as a reference point for UH President and UH System Chancellor Renu Khator’s State of the University address last month and will play a critical role in preparing the University to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 9

Homecoming

Karen Wei News Editor @thedailycougar

HOCO

Homecoming: Traditions from 1946 to today CELENE BOURESLAN

NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR @CELENE_BOURESLAN

UH’s Homecoming traditions and events have evolved over its 80-year history, but one constant has been the unity of students, faculty and staff. Here’s an overview of how Homecoming began and the origin of its more recent traditions.

Beginning HOCO began with a single celebration in 1946 to honor students and alumni who served during World War II. In the 1950s, the University started hosting more events in the lead-up to the crowning of the Homecoming queens, including pep rallies, street dances, downtown float competitions and a bonfire. This marked the beginning of the University’s current tradition of hosting friendly competitions throughout Homecoming week.

Spirit Cup

tions can compete and earn points from each event hosted during Homecoming week. Some annual competitions include the Painting with the Cougar and the bed races. At the end of the week, the team with the highest overall score receives a trophy. This competition is meant to create a sense of community among students and campus groups and strengthen school pride, said Chair of the Homecoming board Karsyn Lott. “Although it’s still a competition, we want students to feel at home and we want them to feel like they can do everything right here at Houston,” Lott said.

Strutt Your Stuff Since the 1970s, the ‘Strutt Your Stuff ’ event has allowed student teams to compete for awards, typically spirit points, by creating and performing skits, presentations and routines. Although this event is a staple of Homecoming week, the University will not be hosting it this year.

Bed races Another longtime Homecoming tradition is the annual bed races, where student teams decorate rolling beds and compete to show their pride and earn points.

Canstruction Another prominent Homecoming tradition is the Canstruction event, where student teams can showcase their creativity and school spirit by building Texas and Houston-themed structures using canned goods to be donated.

Homecoming concert A recent homecoming tradition is the annual concert. Normally held in the Cullen Performance Hall, this concert brings students together to listen and dance to the performances of notable artists. Some past headliners include rapper Babyface Ray and Waka Flocka Flame. news@thedailycougar.com

The Spirit Cup is a Homecoming competition where student teams from residence halls and campus organiza-

Graphic by: Isabel Bustos and Nina To

10 | Wednesday, November 4, 2026

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

April Badmus Patrick Sammon Maria Krylova Nanaki Matharu

PHOTO EDITOR

Gillian Wisniewski CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lily Huynh WEB EDITOR

Kelsey Williamson ASSISTANT EDITORS

Rahaf Ahmad Celene Boureslan Isabel Bustos Daniel Contreras Oscar Herrera Gia Mejia Yocelin Real Nina To Emily Traweek Umniyah Alazzawi

ISSUE STAFF CLOSING EDITORS

Gauraangi Gupta Anjali Martinez

COVER

Lily Huynh

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

ABOUT THE COUGAR

The Cougar is published biweekly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters and online daily at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. Copies of The Cougar are free.

No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

ABOUT CSM

The Center for Student Media provides comprehensive advisory and financial support to the university’s student-run media: The Cougar newspaper, CoogTV and COOG Radio.

CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA

(713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu

www.uh.edu/csm