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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 Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A pair of counterfeit Labubus hang from a backpack. Labubu refers to a line of blind box plush keychains called “The Monsters,” created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and produced by the toy company Pop Mart.
(Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Spotting a fake Labubu

By Sofia Didenko, Lifestyle Editor | August 26, 2025

In a world where tension seems impossible to shake and every headline is pressing harder on our chests, division has become the background noise of daily life. Identity is fought over, culture feels under siege and speaking out is both brave and expected....

The NIU Mariachi band performs on Saturday in Club 1895 for Welcome Holmes. NIU Mariachi moved from room to room during Welcome Holmes after each quick performance. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Gallery: CAB hosts annual Welcome Holmes party

By Totus Tuus Keely, Assistant Photo Editor | August 26, 2025

A  Dubai Chocolate Latte sits on a table on Tuesday outside of Cast Iron Coffee, located at 901 Lucinda Ave. Dubai Chocolate originated from Fix Dessert Chocolatiers’ product, the Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

A recap: Summer favorites

By Cayden Wells, Lifestyle Writer | August 26, 2025

As temperatures increased and days got longer, many were looking for ways to cool down, tune in or indulge. From viral sweet-treats, chart-topping albums to internet controversies, this summer had many memorable moments and trends.  Events at a Coldplay...

The cover art for “Alfredo 2,” the latest album from rapper Freddie Gibbs, features a hand holding chopsticks above a bowl of ramen noodles. Editor-in-Chief Edison Miller argues that "Alfredo 2" deserves Album of the Year recognition. (Freddie Gibbs under Fair Use)

Freddie Gibbs’ ‘Alfredo 2’ deserves AOTY recognition

By Edison Miller, Editor in Chief | August 25, 2025

Released on July 25, hip-hop artist Freddie Gibbs and producer The Alchemist blessed fans with the release of “Alfredo 2.” Serving as the second edition of their “Alfredo” series, Gibbs’ smooth yet aggressive flow matches perfectly with The...

A Spotify playlist titled “Beware A.I.” with songs such as Mr. Roboto, Der Kommisar and Pressure.  Multiple bands have responded and pulled their music in response to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek funding Helsing, an AI drone manufacturing company. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Spotify CEO funds military defense firm ‘Helsing’

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer | August 25, 2025

Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify, has been leading investments toward Helsing, a European defense tech firm. The investment itself was reported by the Financial Times at nearly $700 million. This decision has sparked serious controversy between...

Corn Fest attendees line up for the free corn boil at Corn Fest on Saturday at Lincoln Highway, East of North 4th Street. Corn Fest took place on Lincoln Highway from 1st Street to 4th street and extended into 2nd and 3rd street to Oak Street. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Ears to tradition: DeKalb’s ‘Corn Fest’ honors farming roots

By Edison Miller, Editor in Chief | August 24, 2025

DeKALB — In most places, corn is just a side dish. In DeKalb, it’s the star of a three-day festival that draws thousands of people to the heart of the city every August.  Held Friday through Sunday, residents from across the Midwest filled closed-off...

A group of students watch the NIU Mariachi Band perform on Saturday night for Welcome Holmes in Club 1895. NIU provided events for incoming first-years and returning students to participate in from Wednesday to Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

A look back on Week of Welcome 2025

By Rachael Swinson, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 24, 2025

Welcome or welcome back to NIU, Huskies! If you attended any of the Week of Welcome (WOW) events last week, I am sure that you had a lot of fun. Let’s take a moment to look back on the exciting week before diving head first into our studies.  Campfire...

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