Houston sees through Kansas Phog in double overtime
(Top) Houston guard Mylik Wilson (8) catches the ball under KU’s basket and preps for a shot during the second half of a men’s college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
(Bottom) Houston Men’s Basketball coach Kelvin Sampson embraces forward J’Wan Roberts (13) after the team beats the Jayhawks in double overtime, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
CAMRYN ALBERIGO
@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
Every basket the Jayhawks make at Allen Fieldhouse sends a wave of energy through the air, powerful enough to knock any opponent off balance. That power, most commonly known as the Phog, shook No. 7 Houston to its core, but they just kept overcoming what seemed to be impossible, and finally quieted the crowd in their 92-86 double ovetime victory over No. 12 Kansas on Saturday.
“To win the way we won in double overtime speaks to this program’s culture, how tough our kids are and our ability to hang in there,” coach Kelvin Sampson said.
The win marked Houston’s 17th straight conference victory, tied for second-longest streak in Big 12 history, and the first time they beat Kansas on the road since 1967. Nobody could have scripted the rollercoaster that it took to keep the streak alive and renew history.
Houston went on a 17-4 run to start the second half to take a six point lead, but missing their first eight free throws in the period nearly derailed their efforts.
Kansas held a six-point lead with 1:31 remaining in regulation when junior guard Milos Uzan sank a jumper. Kansas then handed the ball back to Houston, setting up another Uzan bucket.
The Cougars called a timeout for a last-ditch effort. Graduate forward J’Wan Roberts headed to the line, a dreaded place for a Houston shooter this evening.
He saw through the Phog of leaping and waving Kansas students behind the basket and sank two free throws with 14 seconds left to tie the game at 66. Houston then held firm on defense to force overtime.
During the first overtime period,
freshman forward Flory Bidunga and junior guard Rylan Griffen accounted for all of Kansas’ scoring, while Roberts emerged as the Cougars’ sole overtime scorer until Uzan hit a free throw with 3:17 remaining.
With seven seconds left and six points needed, a hobbled redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp delivered his first points of the night with a clutch 3-pointer. On Kansas’ next inbound attempt, junior guard Milos Uzan deflected the pass, setting up graduate guard Mylik Wilson for another 3-pointer to force a second overtime.
“This wasn’t a one-off for (Mylik). He’s a big shot taker,” Sampson said. “He’s a big shot maker.”
With more bonus basketball, it became even more critical that Houston stay true to its tough brand of play and stand its ground.
Following a miss from the 3-point line with 2:10 left in the frame, Sharp was able to pry the ball away from Kansas and force a steal as he fell to the hardwood. It was a consequential turnover that gave the Cougars, up 86-81, nearly a minute of possession. He then scored Houston’s final pair of points on the evening at the free throw line on a night where the team only shot 14-25 at the line.
In the first half, sophomore forward Joseph Tugler and Wilson delivered perfect shooting from the field. Their efforts were offset by Houston’s usual scorers, Sharp and graduate guard L.J. Cryer going 0-for-8.
Roberts hit two jumpers, sandwiched between two Tugler dunks, to give Houston a onepoint lead with 11:53 left in the half.
HOUSTON VS. KANSAS Continues on next page
Houston guard Milos Uzan (7) battles KU guard Rylan Griffen (6) during the second half of a NCAA men’s college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
JoJo Tugler’s dominance: Bull vs. Jayhawk
CAMRYN ALBERIGO
SPORTS EDITOR
@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
With 18.3 seconds remaining and Kansas up by six, graduate guard Dajuan Harris Jr. missed two crucial free throws. The second miss fell into the hands of sophomore forward Joseph Tugler, who quickly found junior guard Milos Uzan in transition. On the other end, Uzan kicked it out to redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp, who drained his first bucket of the night. Houston desperately needed the ball and a 3-pointer with 7.5 seconds remaining.
At that moment, ESPN gave Kansas a 95.6% chance of winning.
The Jayhawks called a timeout, giving the Cougars a chance to devise their defense for junior guard Rylan Griffin’s inbound attempt. Coach Kelvin Sampson had a clear plan in mind, centered
HOUSTON VS. KANSAS
Continued from previous page
That run was only a bridge between two Houston field goal droughts, each spanning more than four minutes.
A crucial moment came with 2:36 left in the first half, as Wilson helped trim Kansas’ once 10-point lead to one with backto-back jumpers.
Graduate guard Dajuan Harris
around the towering presence of Tugler
As Griffin fluttered along the baseline, Tugler’s 7-foot-4 wingspan loomed above, cutting off all upward passing lanes. Griffin was desperate for an opening, but Tugler mirrored his every move.
“JoJo is like a big old bull that’s snorting at you, stomping his hooves and whipping his tail around. He’s a factor.”
Kelvin Sampson, coach
That defensive factor proved
Jr. stole the ball from Cryer and sank a shot, extending the Jayhawks’ lead back to five points with just over a minute left.
Houston had another chance to cut the deficit but turned the ball over.
With only 13 seconds left, Cryer missed a 3-pointer, and Bidunga pushed Kansas’ lead to 38-31 at halftime.
critical as graduate center Hunter Dickinson emerged as the intended target for Griffin’s pass. But as the ball neared Dickinson, Uzan tipped it, sending the pass directly into graduate guard Mylik Wilson’s hands. Wilson sank a 3-pointer to send the game into double overtime. The Cougars eventually won 92-86.
“That’s like a gut punch,” Dickinson said.
Sampson compared Tugler’s defense to a football pass rush: “There are some kids, it’s like a quarterback. When the defensive ends get on top of him, he stops looking at his receivers and starts looking at the defensive players. It makes your press a little bit better.”
That comparison rang true throughout the game as Tugler swung and slid to disrupt the Jayhawks’ offense. He led the charge defensively, accounting for
After the break, Sampson told the team it was their moment to start winning battles. He had no idea how many more they would have to overcome to seal the win.
Three Cougars posted a seasonhigh. Roberts led the way with 24 points along with nine rebounds, five assists and one steal.
Uzan contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and one steal.
all five blocks and grabbing five defensive rebounds for his team, ranked No. 1 in scoring defense.
“Our defense got us back in it,” Sampson said.
But it wasn’t just his defensive contributions that counted; his offensive presence also played a pivotal role.
Just before the midway point in the first half, he slammed two dunks through the hoop to begin and end an eight-point run for the Cougars, which gave Houston its first lead since nearly three minutes into the contest. It was a critical contribution, as the usual scoring threats of, redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp and graduate guard L.J. Cryer, went a combined 0-for-8 from the field in the opening frame.
He finished the night 4-for-4 from the field with nine points and seven rebounds.
In February 2024, when the
Wilson rounded out the trio with 18 points and six rebounds off the bench.
As for Sampson, it was his first win inside Allen Fieldhouse after he fell to Kansas in his previous eight visits to Lawrence, spanning back to his days coaching at Oklahoma.
He walked off the court embracing his family and players with a big smile stamped on his
Cougars got introduced to Allen Fieldhouse, Tugler, a freshman at the time, entered off the bench to play 34 minutes in the bright lights. Despite Houston’s loss, he was getting experience for the big moments coming in the impending months.
Later that month, he suffered a season-ending foot injury during practice that prevented him from competing in any more crucial moments for the Cougars.
This year, Tugler returned to Lawrence as a regular starter for Houston and is tied for eighth in the nation with a total of 47 blocks.
“Last year, in the month of March, I knew what we were missing,” Sampson said.
That missing piece was Tugler’s dominant presence. A bull ready to charge through any challenge, to keep Houston’s hopes alive. sports@thedailycougar.com
face.
With the win, Houston remains undefeated in conference play at 8-0 and improves to 16-3 overall on the season.
Next, Houston will face West Virginia on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum as the team looks to extend its 12-game winning streak.
sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston forward Joseph Tugler (11) and guard Mylik Wilson (8) hit the floor to steal the ball from KU center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the second half of a NCAA college men’s basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
CAMPUS
Houston’s historic snow day: Campus turns into a Winter Wonderland
GAURAANGI GUPTA NEWS EDITOR
@GAURAANGIGUPTA
The morning of Jan. 21 felt magical for every Houstonian, as the city saw its historic snow day.
After decades, the area received about 6 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Services.
Lucky for Coogs, UH canceled classes on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 which meant a fun time for students on campus.
“My workplace isn’t open, so I figured I might as well come outside,” said health science junior Zakyla Vosti. “This is my first time being able to see actual snow rather than just sleet and ice on the ground.”
Several students already on campus enjoyed the Winter Wonderland with Shasta and Sasha joining in on the fun. The mascots made snow angels and had several snow fights with Coogs.
“My snow day experience was something that I was definitely not expecting when I returned to campus,” said pre-pharmacy freshman Jay Castelan. “It was very fun
NATION
and provided me an opportunity to not only take a mental health day but also spend more time with my friends outside of classes and extracurriculars.
Students took pictures near the iconic Cullen Fountain and Reflection Pond, in front of the UH banner at Cullen Performance Hall and the TDECU stadium.
“Snow day experience on campus was pretty great!” Butler said. “It felt like everyone out in the snow was in good spirits and it made the whole thing more enjoyable.”
Students were involved in various activities like sledding and sliding, building snowmen and having snowball fights.
“People used everything to sled on,” said education freshman Vex Butler. “From cardboard boxes, storage container lids, to even a Halloween costume Ninja Turtle shell, people used everything.”
Apart from the fun moments, the University also took preventive measures to ensure maximum safety and
convenience for students.
All residence halls remained open throughout the storm, and Moody dining hall was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner services.
In addition, emergency personnel and repair teams were on campus to answer any calls for service, and no major infrastructure damage was reported.
“Planning and preparation occur
year round and the University has been designated StormReady by the National Weather Service,” said Director of Media Relations for University Marketing and Communications Bryan Luhn. “Everyone did a great job preparing for and responding to this winter weather event, and the students seemed to enjoy the rare snow.”
news@thedailycougar.com
Trump takes office: Students react to policy changes
JOSHUA VASQUEZ
NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR
@JOSH_VASQUEZ
Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20, inside the U.S. Capitol. This marked the beginning of his second administration, after losing the 2020 election to former President Joe Biden.
At UH, students have expressed mixed reactions to what they expect from a second Trump presidency, especially after the signing of various executive orders on his first day in office.
The orders included decisions regarding immigration, business, the country’s economy, climate, diversity and the LGBTQ+ community, according to the Associated Press.
Gender rights
Students voiced concerns about the potential loss of access to gender-affirming care under Trump’s administration.
“I am Asian and a transgender man,” said pre-med junior Eli Lin. “Though I was born a woman, I have socially transitioned and have been living as a man for the past five years.”
Lin emphasized that Trump’s presidency affects him personally as a low-income individual.
While some policies show positive aspects, they do not outweigh the harm, Lin said.
“As a gay man, it means a lot for my community since Trump is trying to take back all the progress that has been made,” said psychology junior Dubem Osuala.
Several groups, especially women, fear what the second administration might look like and how the consequences will affect society.
“The president continues packing the Supreme Court with conservative judges and, as a result, I lost the right to an abortion in my home state,” said computer science junior Tawney Harrison. “I fear that birth control is next on the chopping block.”
Decisions like these have nothing to do with religion or morals, instead, the administration is trying to grow the working class to sustain their wealth, Harrison said.
Impact on small businesses, economy
However, students who have supported and voted for the president have high expectations from his second term in office.
“If Trump’s second term brings more tax cuts and fewer regulations, I think it could make things a little easier for my small family business,” said supply chain and logistics senior Julian Garcia.
The proposed tax cuts could help small businesses grow, invest in new equipment and hire more employees, Garcia said.
Even though Harrison expressed
her concerns, she is also hopeful for an improvement in the economy.
“My biggest hope is that inflation drops, isn’t that why most of Texas voted for Trump?” Harrison said. “If I have to live with feeling like a second-class citizen, I might as well be able to afford Whataburger again.”
Concerns about the office
Students who identify as Republicans reflect on the broader implications of Trump’s policies.
While their beliefs align with the Republican Party, many express concerns about the direction the party has taken.
Trump’s overreach of executive power and disregard for the Constitution is alarming for the future, said mechanical engineering master’s student Arturo de la Barcena.
De la Barcena didn’t vote because of personal beliefs, but he would’ve voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 as well.
Several students also expressed a sense of defeat at Trump’s win and disappointment
with the country’s future.
“Normally, I would caution people against feeling too discouraged by anything in politics, since there’s always time to fight for any cause you believe in,” said political science junior Yahir Nava. “But on Inauguration Day, it felt like I had watched America be sold out, with a plurality of voters cheering it on.”
Immigration policies
Osuala shared deep concerns about how the administration’s actions affect his immediate family and beyond.
“Trump’s presidency will affect me in numerous ways,” Osuala said. “The biggest one is his migration policies, as my parents are still in the process of getting their documents to move here from Nigeria.”
From personal migration challenges to issues affecting marginalized communities and global policies, a ripple effect of these decisions can be seen as far-reaching and troubling, Osuala said.
“There’s so much global conflict and tension already, and he’s not making it better with these executive orders like pulling us out of the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement on climate change,” Osuala said.
However, Osuala remains cautiously optimistic that Trump’s second term will get everyone to unite and use their voices to bring lasting change to the state and country.
“It’s always important to have a voice in a conversation that will affect me and generations after me,” Osuala said. news@thedailycougar.com
The campus was covered with snow on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Cindy Rivas Alfaro/The Cougar
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate vs. leadership: Constitution, bylaws mandates spark a debate
GAURAANGI GUPTA NEWS EDITOR
@GAURAANGIGUPTA
On Wednesday, Jan.15 the Student Government Association met for their first session of the Spring semester where they read the new Constitution and bylaw mandates created in collaboration with the UH administration.
The mandates included but were not limited to changes to nominee approvals, impeachment votes, student fee decisions and the reconstruction of some branchfocused responsibilities.
While some senators were not in support of the updated versions, Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell informed the Senate that changes would not be made to the Constitution until it was passed.
“Having the opportunity as the leaders of the organization to even participate in its restructure was pretty much the best bet that we had,” Cockrell said. “If we don’t get this in time, then we were told that SGA cannot entertain or do any other business until this is completed, and you kind of assume the rest.”
Student service fee
Previous documents gave the Senate the power to draft, change and pass modifications to the student service fee. In the update, this clause has been removed.
The previous clause enabled the Senate to reduce and raise the fee, or in some way affect the composition of the administration, Sen. Juan Garcia Salcedo said.
“This effectively reduces the power that the Senate has to control our own fee, that we pay every semester, whether it be for parking, athletics or other business,” Salcedo said.
However, Arriaga clarified that everything regarding the Student Fee Advisory Committee was removed from the Constitution, as SGA does not control this fee.
“That is a University committee where we nominate students to speak on our behalf,” Arriaga said. “It’s not in Texas legislation that SGA controls the student fee, it is actually the SFAC committee.”
Consent of the Senate in terms of impeachment threshold
The updated version of the Constitution lowered the consent of the Senate in terms of impeachment threshold from two-thirds to a majority.
“Everything that said three-fourths was put to two-thirds, and anything that said two-thirds was changed to the majority to match the lowering of the threshold in general,” Cockrell said.
Nieto argued that the rule was originally established to prevent a system where leadership could be changed too easily because this would likely result in inconsistency.
Senate’s power from nominating people to University committees
In the previous constitution, if a University committee position was vacant for more than 28 days after the fall semester began, individual senators had the ability to nominate members for these
positions.
However, this clause was updated and now, the President and the Speaker of the Senate can nominate individuals to committees.
“This effectively reduces the power of the Senate to nominate and bring people,” Salcedo said. “Doesn’t that run paradoxically to the demands of Dr. Kittle?”
Historically, before the last constitution, this power was solely held by the Vice President who would spend the whole summer looking for candidates.
Cockrell emphasized that the power of the Senate to individually nominate was removed because the Senate has the power to approve or deny candidates in the first place.
“It was a double power they did not need,” Cockrell said. “The power came from the executive, the check came from the legislative. It’s that simple.”
Nominee of the Attorney General
During the meeting, Salcedo asked why the new constitution changed the clause where the nominee for Attorney General was considered with the advice and consent of the Senate, but was now changed to the President.
SGA and the administration had a meeting where both parties had nonnegotiable conditions so a compromise was made, Arriaga said.
“The administration wanted us to make all nominations done by the President, although that is not what we wanted,” Arriaga said. “So in this case, all we did was add a check of the President to be in there to give his advice and consent. However, if you realize, nothing has changed other than that.”
Copying mistakes: Preamble, code of ethics
The updated mandate which was sent to the Senate did not include the preamble of the governing document.
However, when questioned, Arriaga clarified that it was a mistake made while copying on his part and that it would be fixed.
A similar mistake was made when a Texas Higher Education Code was eliminated, which determined SGA’s power to potentially nominate members for the non-voting student representative positions to the Board of Regents.
“So interestingly enough, that should not have been deleted,” Cockrell said. “Once again, a problem while copying everything, because we had to fix the entire format.”
Senate’s power to make, and suspend laws
The earlier bylaws gave power to the Senate to make laws, investigate and prepare for their execution.
The Senate’s authority towards motions, suspending and creating rules was also removed, limiting the power of the Senate, and creating a shared governance between the three branches, Nieto said.
However, Cockrell mentioned how the bylaw was unnecessary as these things can still be done through Robert’s Rules of
Order.
Removal of the multicultural affairs director
The new bylaws removed the multicultural affairs position and were replaced by a rotation director who would solely focus on election initiatives. Senators raised questions about the removal of the multicultural position.
Leadership explained that the removal of the position was because its purpose had already been fulfilled.
“I think that it is the duty of your existing officers to always promote diversity, and be multicultural,” Cockrell said.
Inclusion of anonymous voting
The leadership introduced anonymous voting to address concerns where in the past, members felt pressured when it came to voting.
“In the real government, that procedure does not exist, which I agree it should not because you are elected representatives to the country at a much higher stake,” Cockrell said. “However, this is an institution, and we are students at the end of the day, which means you are more vulnerable.”
However, anonymous voting will not be the first type of voting. It will only go into effect if someone motions for it in the Senate.
The senators argued to remove the clause as it would violate the transparency clause of the organization along with the code of ethics.
Copying mistakes: Budget controls
Similar to the constitution, copying errors occurred while updating the bylaws. One mistake was when a bylaw stating the Senate’s control over the budget was removed.
However, it was clarified that it was a mistake made while copying as the document was edited multiple times. It wasn’t a simple process but rather a stressful one, Cockrell said.
Concerns by the Senate towards the mandates
Senators voiced concerns about the new mandates and how they increased executive power.
“(Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs UH System) Dr. (Paul) Kittle’s letter emphasized safeguarding against power abusers, however, the amended version
weakens the system, marginalizing the Senate’s role, increasing executive power,” said Sen. Asif Chowdhury. “The new changes enabled the executive branch to gain more power directly, contradicting his letter.”
Chowdhury gathered signatures from his college’s students, the Graduate College of Social Work, and almost 20% agreed that the senators should review and amend the flaws.
“To senators who are still pushing to pass, I ask that once the students find the facts on how you are selling out their interest so cheaply, do you believe they will still support you in the upcoming election?” Chowdhury said.
Salcedo argued that the new mandates are not strong enough to outlive the current governance and will lead to a similar process of changes for the upcoming office.
Unfair process
While Salcedo agreed that the current Constitution and bylaws should be edited, he emphasized that the process being followed is not correct, but rather unfair.
“We’re part of the shared governance model of this University,” Salcedo said. “We should have equal power with administration.”
The senators expressed their concern with the current leadership as well by stating that President Diego Arriaga, Vice President Austin Craig, and Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell, have frequently shown behaviors of incompetence, dishonesty and undermining trust and confidence.
Sen. Jesus Nieto asked the leadership why has the student body not been involved in the process of amendment, and why all the power is being given to the administration and the executives.
“I understand the underlying issue the speaker is saying is that this is a sponsored organization, however, I was threatened before in the same system,” Nieto said. “I am implying to them to stand up and do what’s right for the students.”
After the Executive, Speaker, Court and Justice Department Reports, the Senate motioned and approved a moderated caucus for 35 minutes in the form of a public forum, where leadership answered questions from the senators, for both mandates.
news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
AI is not worth the environmental destruction it causes
ANAYA BAXTER
OPINION ASSIST
@ANAYABAX
In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a language model chatbot that generates dialogue and answers to virtually any question. Two months later, the platform reached an estimated 100 million monthly users. The platform’s explosive growth captivated individuals and companies alike, but it was particularly appealing to students.
POLITICS
With ChatGPT, homework questions can be answered in seconds and lines of code or essay paragraphs are written with even the most vague instructions.
As a result, global companies have shown a growing interest in artificial intelligence. According to the National University, 77% of companies are implementing or exploring the possibilities of AI in their organizations. From Google and Microsoft to Spotify and Instagram, AI assistants and chatbots are popping up
everywhere.
These services come with a price, however. Generative AI has a substantial environmental footprint that will only worsen with increasing demands. Data centers consume 3-4% of America’s energy, with the heart of Silicon Valley seeing 60% of its city’s electricity going towards these structures.
The extensive electricity usage, which increases carbon dioxide emissions and adds strain to electric grids, is used to train AI models. Every time a prompt is entered, more power is used. When millions of users input multiple prompts per session, this quickly adds up.
The computing infrastructure and servers must be temperature-controlled, and to offset this heat, water is needed.
According to a 2024 study, ChatGPT requires about 18 ounces of water to produce a 100-word email. It is estimated that the platform would use over 435 million liters of water to run this function for around 16 million people.
The estimated figure is likely understated and the true damage is unknown. However, an exact number is not needed to understand generative artificial intelligence is a threat to the environment. In the wake of frequent natural disasters, rising temperatures and scarce resources, people need to analyze their consumption
and identify habits that can be changed or eliminated.
AI is not a necessity. Simple tasks such as summarizing an article or revising a paragraph are outsourced to bots and many students have found themselves relying on it. Not only is this a threat to basic thinking skills, it uses water that could be used to fight raging fires.
There seems to be a large attitudebehavior gap when it comes to climate change. It is recognized as a problem but few actively strive to reduce their environmental footprint and hold others accountable. If signing a petition or donating to organizations is too big of a request, the least people could do is stop using generative AI.
86% of students use AI in their studies, with nearly one-fourth using the tools daily. Students are a key demographic of users and potential audiences.
Often in activist conversations, people feel they have no power to change outcomes. This is not the case. Companies know the power of students and, if they commit to not using such sites and applications, students could significantly decrease consumer demand and halt further environmental damage.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
The American people should not be represented by billionaires
PARKER H-B
OPINION
@ALASTFAIR
As a new year begins, so does the President Donald Trump’s second term. It’s no secret that many Americans, as well as many worldwide, are discontent with his victory, but there are plenty of issues aside from Trump himself.
It is well-known that Elon Musk has found a place within Trump’s inner circle, but he isn’t the only one. This new administration’s net worth is reportedly around $460 billion, and would still number in the billions even without Musk.
While some may not consider this an issue, others have protested this administration as being far too wealthy to represent the vast majority of our population. Even if one is a fan of Trump, it’s hard to deny that a cabinet that wealthy is bound to be out of touch when it comes to the average working person.
Of course, had the president’s campaign not been so focused on economic improvement, this wouldn’t be as much of a concern. But, considering the constant conversation surrounding grocery prices, it makes sense to be concerned that someone making $54 million a day is now making governmental decisions.
Trump’s campaign promised many things, but the economy is what’s largely on American minds right now, with
inflation bringing up costs of living so much that many are worried for their lives.
A large problem with the rich becoming so involved in politics is just how far removed they are from the average American. Wealthy representatives cannot fathom the lives of constituents when they’re making millions of dollars where the average person is making pocket change in comparison.
This is compounded with the fact that other countries are just as troubled by the new administration, with several European leaders making statements slighting Musk and tariff threats beginning between the US and other nations.
Whether constituents view Musk and other cabinet members as likeable or not, one thing is certain: the rich do not share the same concerns as the average person.
Studies have shown very clear policy differences between the wealthy and the general public, from economics, to healthcare and even education. It’s not outlandish to point out that the rich care more about keeping themselves on top than contributing to society, and it’s more than reasonable to reject such an enormous amount of money being what represents our population.
Americans are hurting in many ways right now. Minorities are frightened
for their rights, families are being torn apart by mass deportation efforts and our economy is, to put it lightly, less than favorable.
Our government being run by an oligarchy of exorbitantly rich people with no intentions of caring for the general population will not bring the price of eggs down, no matter what Trump promised during debates and rallies. One can only hope the next four years will prove otherwise, but it’s safe to say this administration isn’t very promising for our economy.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
life and arts
April’s Angle: Tips on how to thrive, survive in college
APRIL BADMUS STAFF WRITER
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi, and welcome back to another issue of April’s Angle, where I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. You can submit questions or opinions through the link in the April’s Angle highlight on @ thedailycougar or message me personally.
How
to meet more people
Attend events on and off campus! There are a multitude of organizations on campus that work hard to put together monthly events–and the best part is, they’re free! In the past, UH’s Student Program Board has held fun events like ‘Mic & Bites’ and their screening of ‘Wakanda Forever.’
Another way to meet people is in your classes. In the past I’ve highlighted how important it is to make friends in your classes. Prioritize building connections everywhere you go and it’ll become second nature to you.
Best place to focus on campus
My favorite place to get in hours of studying is the MD Anderson library– I know what you’re thinking, it can get a little crazy in there, but find your spot! There are so many secluded areas that don’t feel crowded.
The third floor’s quiet areas have amazing natural lighting that can help you stay focused and reduce eye strain.
My personal favorite is on the other side of the third floor near
the study rooms.
That being said, I truly believe with a nice pair of headphones you can lock-in anywhere! Even on the rowdiest floor in the library.
Another great study spot is Student Center North. It’s much quieter than SC South but with less sitting options.
The upstairs area is a nice place to get some work done, it stays pretty quiet throughout the day with music coming from Coog Radio’s office.
How to improve your GPA and not make the same mistakes as last year
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you had a tough semester last year, it’s not too late to get back on track.
The start of a new semester means an opportunity to do better and improve in areas you fell short.
Avoiding making the same mistakes begins with recognizing where you went wrong, taking some time to reflect and pinpointing areas you need to improve in.
Plan! Plan! Plan! Planning goes such a long way, it’ll help keep you accountable and make choices that align with your goals.
Plan out your entire semester if you can, you have resources like the class syllabus to help you prepare for the semester and talk to your professors about what to expect and include that information in your plan.
news@thedailycougar.com
EDITORIAL BOARD
EDITOR
MANAGING
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Don’t buy into something you know little about. Rather than following the crowd, rely on common sense. Look at the big picture and avoid risky ventures. Choose to let the dust settle.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Focus on your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Release energy by engaging in activities or projects that bring you peace and encourage gratitude. Maintain a positive outlook.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Enjoy your surroundings by taking a walk in your neighborhood. Expose yourself to something that prompts you to learn something new or make a change. Reach out to people who share your enthusiasm.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You may not relish change, but you must make it. Trying something new will boost your curiosity and encourage you to take your skills to a new level. Unleash your talents and embark on new beginnings.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) -- Take the time to listen before you reveal your thoughts. Knowing what others want or need will help you communicate effectively. Arguing is a waste of time; incentives will help you get your way.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- A lifestyle change geared toward health will be uplifting. Nothing worth doing is easy, but the hard work you put in will lead to exciting connections, pastimes and rewards.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- An opportunity to make your space functional will result in a new approach to chores. Combine something you love to do with someone you enjoy being around. Follow your heart.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Stick to the facts, or someone will question your validity. Gaining support will require proof and trust. Being disciplined and having a good work ethic will ensure you attract support.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Make covert changes to avoid interference. Keeping your life simple and free from overdramatic people will help you get what you want. Don’t let certain changes cause you to make a premature move.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
-- Listen to your intuition and verify your feelings. Be polite, but ask direct questions. You cannot afford to let anyone take advantage of or mislead you. Don’t spend money in an attempt to win acceptance.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Change may be in the stars, but you’ll have more than one choice. Ask for expert advice, but make a move only if it’s worthwhile. With opportunities heading your way, you have more time than you realize.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Someone authoritative will take note if you let your imagination take the reins. The more creative you are, the easier it will be to gain access to people, information and prospects. Do things your way.
—Eugenia Last
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