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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 south side of the Holmes Student Center on a foggy day. The Holmes Student Center hosted the first generation movie on Tuesday in the Capital Room. (Northern Star File Photo)

De-stress with movie night

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 8, 2023

DeKALB – There is no greater feeling than letting go of any worries or upcoming assignments for a moment, laughing at relatable moments and getting lost in the world of cinematography.  TRIO Student Support Services offers just such an event for...

A part of NIU’s jazz ensemble play at Fatty’s Pub & Grille for the Jazz Combofest. Fatty’s hosts the Combofest a few times a year which is open to the public. (Tamya Burch | Northern Star)

Fatty’s gets jazzy for the night

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | November 7, 2023

DeKALB – Fatty’s Pub & Grille included a classy touch to its Monday Night Football with the addition of Jazz Combofest.  NIU's jazz ensemble gave a musical performance at Fatty's on Monday. The ensemble played from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and warmed...

The Ellwood House Museum sits in the snow. The Museum has announced its schedule for the 2023 holiday season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Holiday schedule announced for Ellwood House Museum

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | November 6, 2023

The Ellwood House Museum has released its schedule for the 2023 holiday season, with two ways to experience a tour. The mansion will be decorated for the holidays by local organizations and businesses, as well as volunteers.   From Nov. 15 to Dec....

DeKalb’s weekend: Day of the Dead, music and more

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | November 3, 2023

OFRENDA DISPLAY 9 a.m. | Nov. 4 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.   WEDDING OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m. | Nov. 4 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St., Sycamore   DeKALB DAY OF THE DEAD “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” 2 p.m. | Nov. 4 | Downtown...

An altar holds pan de muerto, sugar skulls and marigolds in celebration of Day of the Dead. DeKalb's Day of the Dead celebrations take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Create Health Mobility Clinic. (Getty Images)

Celebrate Day of the Dead in downtown DeKalb

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | November 2, 2023

DeKALB - Walk around downtown DeKalb to celebrate the passing of your ancestors at the Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 4. The family event hosted by Create Health Mobility Clinic will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free and...

The outside of CrackerJax is decorated with Halloween decor. Lauren Woods, the owner of the store, has been in DeKalb for 39 years. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Lauren Woods, DeKalb staple for 39 years

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

DeKALB – As you open the door, a gentle bell rings and a variety of scents fill the air. As your eyes adjust, you see trinkets and treasures filling the walls and halls as you struggle to take it all in, remnants of bygone eras.  These are the thoughts...

A poster shows information about NIU's Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony. The concert will feature new music by African American composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony to perform new composition

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

NIU’s Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony will be performing a brand new composition, “Gale and Zephyr” by composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Nov 28 in the School of Music’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. According...

The outside front entrance of CrackerJax in downtown DeKalb located at 118 N. Third Street. Cracker Jax is DeKalb’s hidden treasure and thrift store. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star).

Hidden treasures, vintage, resale stores

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 30, 2023

DeKALB – Downtown store owners breathe new life and purpose into vintage items. Several hidden gems, antique and resale shops, can be found in the area that are sure to be a treat to visitors with clothing, relics and more from times past.  Shopping...

An art piece shows different breakfast cereals floating in a pool of milk. The NIU Art Museum's new suite of exhibits open Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

Food insecurity exhibits come to NIU Art Museum

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 28, 2023

Food security and sustainability are quintessential to living happy, healthy lives. Unfortunately, not everyone has adequate access to such resources. Because eating is necessary for us to survive, food is something that crosses boundaries.  That's...

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...

Little girl in witch costume has fun outdoors on Halloween trick or treat. The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds trick-or-treaters to be aware of potential dangers this Halloween. (Getty Images)

Illinois Department of Public Health’s tips for trick-or-treaters

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 25, 2023

For this upcoming Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides a list of things to keep in mind during this holiday in order to stay safe and healthy.   If you feel sick while trick-or-treating or handing out candy, remember...

Adults and kids in Halloween costumes stroll up and down downtown DeKalb. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host several Halloween activities such as a "Casper" showing and trick-or-treating. (Northern Star File Photo)

Spooky season has kicked off in DeKalb

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 24, 2023

DeKALB – Calling all ghosts and ghouls to downtown DeKalb for some spooktacular festivities. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to celebrate its 26th annual Spooktacular Halloween in downtown DeKalb with over 30 local merchants Thursday. Guests...