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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A version of the Taylor Swift's album "Midnights" has the photo of Swift replaced with President Joseph Biden. Biden's presidency seems to match the "Midnights" era. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

US presidents as Taylor Swift eras

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | January 16, 2024

U.S. presidents and Taylor Swift: not a comparison you see every day, but surprisingly many presidents do line up with at least one of her many eras. Each era of U.S. presidents can be connected to one of Swift’s 10 eras, some a bit more obvious than...

Students of NIU's School of Theatre and Dance pose during the school's fall 2023 dance concert. This semester's dance concert is one of five shows the School of Theatre and Dance will put on this semester. (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

Theater, dance productions to occur spring 2024

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | January 15, 2024

Be swept away by devilish deals, or if you're up to it, listen to others' experiences dealing with anxiety. From fresh new plays to student showcases, the School of Theatre and Dance has something for everyone this upcoming season.  “Anxious People!”  Written...

A man in a red robe stares out onto a messy yard. Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi play opposite each other in the disturbing film "Saltburn." (Amazon Prime Video via AP)

‘Saltburn,’ scandalous, sexy, startling

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | December 3, 2023

“Saltburn” is like a “good for her” movie except there is no female lead, and it’s just Barry Keoghan playing another little freak with emotional problems.  Directed by Emerald Fennell, “Saltburn” has been trending on TikTok in the weeks...

A display shows four jars of food sitting next to each other. This is a small section of the “Good Food” exhibit that shows the perseveration process of food and instructions on how to preserve your own food. (Sasha Norman | Northern Star)

Good Food exhibit serves up resources

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | November 28, 2023

DeKALB – The Pick Museum of Anthropology’s “Good Food” exhibit presents information about food insecurity, food resources in DeKalb, what “Good Food” means to different people and more.  The exhibit was organized by curators Annalisa Amber,...

Julia Stiles sits in a chair in front of Heath Ledger in the movie poster for "10 Things I Hate About You." Stiles' and Ledger's characters are one of several swoon-worthy on-screen couples. (Courtesy of Flickr)

Poll: Most romantic on-screen couples

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | November 27, 2023

From “13 Going On 30” to “The Twilight Saga,” pop culture has been intertwined with the imaginary love lives of romantic movie characters. These on-screen couples make the idea of love seem real and attainable to a hopeless romantic audience.  Romantic...

A statue of Luigi and Daisy stand on top a fountain. Mario Kart 8's new DLC recently got its last update. (Courtesy of YouTube)

A heartwarming end to Mario Kart 8

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | November 26, 2023

On Nov. 9, Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch received what seems to be its final DLC update, which added in more than just eight new courses.  On top of the new race tracks, this recent update included four new characters those being Peachette,...

A golden bird and snake sit behind "The Hunger Games" title. The new Hunger Games film is out in theaters and is based on the book of the same name by Suzanne Collins. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Hunger Games’ prequel, the corruption of Snow

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | November 20, 2023

Editor's note: This review contains major spoilers for “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Set 64 years before the original Hunger Games films, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” follows 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow...

Rapper André 3000 performing on stage at the Rock'n'Heim Rock Festival. His new album "New Blue Sun" is his first album in 20 years. (Wikimedia Commons)

André 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun’ calms, terrifies

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | November 18, 2023

André 3000 may be one of the most influential musicians to the state of music today, and fans have been waiting for his first solo record since he first arrived on the scene in the early ‘90s. André 3000’s new album, “New Blue Sun,” released...

Mario, Luigi and friends playfully pose in the title art for Super Mario Bros. Wonder game. The Nintendo Switch game includes new character powers while maintaining past game elements. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Mario Wonder uses wackiness to its advantage

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | November 14, 2023

Nintendo’s newest game from the Super Mario Bros. franchise introduces several unique mechanics and challenges with some goofy additions.  The levels of Super Mario Bros. Wonder are designed with 2D as the main theme but also have 3D free roam when...

The Thai Music Ensemble stands in matching clothes. The Ensemble recently played at Recital Hall as part of the World Music Concert Series. (Caleb Johnson | Northern Star)

Embrace Thai Music, student ensemble performance

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | November 11, 2023

DeKALB – Calming beats filled Recital Hall as members of the Thai Music Ensemble gave an opening performance for the Concert of Thai and Lao Music, followed by a thunderous applause from the audience.  Attendees were treated to traditional music...

From left: Bonnie, Freddy Fazbear and Chica stand side by side, staring downward in a scene from "Five Nights at Freddy's." The film recently made its theatrical release after being in the works for eight years. (Universal Pictures via AP)

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ movie not as good as games

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | October 29, 2023

After eight years since the announcement of the adaption, fans are finally able to watch the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie. The movie premiered theatrically on Oct. 27 and was available to stream on Peacock the same day. WHAT IS FIVE NIGHTS...

Peter Parker's Spider-Man looks over New York City during sunrise in the game "Marvel's Spider-Man 2." The PS5 console game features two playable Spider-Man's that contain new abilities. (Courtesy of YouTube)

A love letter to Spider-Man fans

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | October 26, 2023

With the month of October nearly complete, the month marks the release of Insomniac Games’ third Spider-Man game which, unlike the first two games, will exclusively be for the PlayStation 5.  Officially known as “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” this...