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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

The outside of HOTWORX, a pilates studio, located in Sycamore. The newly opened gym consists of an infrared sauna and has 11 different types of workout sessions. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

HOTWORX is turning up the heat in DeKalb

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 25, 2023

DeKALB – Feel the burn with HOTWORX as it celebrates its grand opening. The 24-hour fitness studio is creating buzz, as members are burning away calories to hit their 27,000 calorie goal, known as HOTWORX Level 7.   HOTWORX is the newest addition...

A sign in support of the writer's strike stands visible outside Netflix headquarters on Sept. 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. Now that the writer's strike is over, Netflix will resume production of several TV shows. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

WGA strike ends, Netflix resumes productions

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 16, 2023

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Writer's Guild of America has successfully fought for its rights and got a fair contract with production studios after a 148 day strike. The strike began on May 2 after negotiations between WGA and the Alliance...

Taylor Swift (right) watches the Chicago Bears play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 24 at Arrowhead Stadium. Swift's fans cheered alongside her as rumors of her dating NFL Chief's player Travis Kelce came out. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)

Explaining football for Swifties

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | October 1, 2023

Recently, it has been nearly impossible to scroll on social media or watch a football game without the mention of icon singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, tight end – a player that blocks and catches passes – for the Kansas City Chiefs.    Football...

Proton Tattoo, a tattoo shop for customers in downtown DeKalb, 125 S. Fourth St., sits on a cloudy day. Proton is celebrating 20 years in DeKalb on Oct. 15 with a free party open to the public. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

DeKalb’s first tattoo shop celebrates colorful history

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 24, 2023

Proton Tattoo established itself in DeKalb 20 years ago, laying the groundwork for tattooing in a town where tattooing was illegal. The owner, Chris May, started this business with his best friend Jon Bowman from elementary school. It was an arduous battle...

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12. Several hip-hop artists joined together to give a standout performance that honored 50 years of hip-hop. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

2023 VMAs: A throwback concert

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | September 17, 2023

Nicki Minaj hosted the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards which focused on celebrating 50 years of hip hop and the music videos that further shaped the songs we all know and love.  Lil Wayne opened the show with a fiery bang by performing hit songs such...

The album cover for Olivia Rodrigo's album "Guts." This is Rodrigo's sophomore album which released on Sept. 8, two years after her debut album "Sour." (Geffen Records via AP)

Olivia Rodrigo hits musical heights on ‘GUTS’

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | September 10, 2023

Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” feels like an album of bad decisions, and I love it.  If the album’s lead singles were any sign, “GUTS” is a turn away from the youthful love and heartbreak on Rodrigo’s debut album “SOUR.”  If “SOUR”...

An angular view of the grocery store Meijer in Sycamore. Meijer is one of many stores where students can get discounted groceries at. (Umer Khan | Northern Star)

Saving on groceries makes cents

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 6, 2023

If you’ve spent the first 18 years of your life never giving groceries a second thought, finding ways to budget for weekly shopping can be a daunting task as a college student. Here are a few ways to plan ahead, save and make the most of your grocery...

NIU alum Tatianna Salisbury's debut book is held surrounded by red flowers. Salisbury's debut poetry collection can be purchased from Amazon, Walmart or Barnes & Noble. (Courtesy of Tatianna Salisbury)

‘words my heart needed to hear’ explores vulnerability, love

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 27, 2023

In June, Tatianna Salisbury, an NIU alum, released her self-published debut book, ‘words my heart needed to hear,’ a collection of poems and short stories.  Salisbury has drawn on her own life experiences to create a 154-page book that explores...

Tessa Majors lays against a colorful rug on the floor. Majors' album "The Voice Memos" released on April 21. (Richlynn Group)

‘The Voice Memos’ enfolds listeners in solemn embrace

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | May 2, 2023

Tessa Rane Majors was an artist, musician and photographer who was a freshman at Barnard College. On Dec. 11, 2019, Majors was stabbed to death outside her college, at 18 years old.  More than three years later on April 21, Majors’ parents released...

A cosplayer dressed as the character 'No Face' from the Studio Ghibli film 'Spirited Away' at the Yorkshire Cosplay Convention at Sheffield Arena. 'No Face' is a character from "Spirited Away: Live on Stage" which is now showing in select theaters.

‘Spirited Away: Live on Stage’ makes theatrical debut

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | April 25, 2023

“Spirited Away: Live on Stage” made its first appearance in North America Sunday.  This stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film “Spirited Away” marks the second event from the line-up of Studio Ghibli Fest. This festival celebrates...

A rack of second hand jeans stacked next to each other. There are many types of denim which are all made to be statement pieces in your wardrobe.

Best types of denim for men, women

By Nick Glover and Sarah Rose | April 23, 2023

Denim is in right now. Whether it be vintage-inspired denim – a raw, deep blue made to be worn in for years – or modern denim – stretched thin and taut, cropped above the ankle – denim is here to stay. For those looking to move beyond the standard...

Lloyd Cole performing on stage with his guitar. Cole is a British musician who rose to fame in the 1980s.  (Courtesy of Lloyd Cole)

No blue skies: Music industry according to Lloyd Cole

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | April 17, 2023

Lloyd Cole has been in the music industry for nearly 40 years and in that time, he’s gathered more than a few thoughts on it. The British musician, known for his sensitive, literate songwriting style, first rose to fame in the 1980s with his band...