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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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 screenshot of Ye’s “VULTURES 1” album cover shows a man in black standing behind a woman. Ye’s newest album contains great flow but weak lyrics. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘VULTURES 1’ features interesting samples, questionable lyrics

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | February 14, 2024

With over 10 years of being in the hip-hop fandom, I was extremely excited to listen to the highly anticipated “VULTURES 1” album by musical artist Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The album is in collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and features musical...

A phone shows the cover of Rye Lane, a new love story on Hulu. Rye Lane is an underrated rom-com, perfect for Valentines Day. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Unconventional rom-coms for Valentine’s Day

By Lindsay Curtis, Lifestyle Writer | February 13, 2024

Valentine's Day can either be a great day or a horrible day depending on who you ask, so what better way to end the night than with a good movie. Whether you’re with a date, friends or just by yourself, here’s a list of some underrated romance...

Toby Keith holds up a red Solo cup while standing in front of a microphone during a 2019 performance. Keith, known for his song Red Solo Cup, died on Feb. 5. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)

Toby Keith dies, American legacy stays behind

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | February 12, 2024

Country icon Toby Keith died Feb. 5 after an almost two-year fight with stomach cancer. He was 62. The singer was known for his rampant patriotism, hard-fought political beliefs and fun-loving musical personality.  Like many people born in the...

Two women stand holding a bag of Doritos Dinamita. These women chased after a man who took the last bag of chips in what was one of the standout commercials from this years Super Bowl. (Frito-Lay via AP)

‘The Big Game’ commercials that crack a smile

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer | February 12, 2024

Commercials are usually regarded as annoyances or a moment to take a break from a stressful game; however, there is an occasion where some viewers actually look forward to the commercials.  The Super Bowl is widely known for its commercials being...

Usher dances in a black and blue outfit during his Super Bowl halftime performance. Usher brought out several musical guests during his show. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Usher rocks Las Vegas stage at halftime show

By Sarah Rose, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 11, 2024

Super Bowl LVIII welcomed Usher, who started his halftime performance sitting on a throne-like chair, wearing a white cape. Usher emulated a king, ready to dominate Allegiant Stadium.  While Chiefs fans groaned about the first-half score, Usher opened...

Taylor Swift accepts the Grammy award for Album of the Year on Feb. 4. Swifts album announcement during the ceremony was a selfish choice and took the attention away from other artists. (AP Photo | Chris Pizzello)

Grammys aren’t just Taylor Swift’s night

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | February 11, 2024

It was a warm September night in 2009, reaching almost 70 degrees, when some famous words were spoken by an even more famous man. New York City’s Radio City Music Hall was aglow with celebs, and the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” was at...

Rebecca Franzen sits on her phone, illuminated by morning light. Coming to Cast Iron Coffee is a part of her morning routine because she “likes the quiet atmosphere and minimal distractions,” Franzen said. (Anna Scanlan | Northern Star)

Change your life with morning, night routines

By Sierra Usmani , Lifestyle Writer | February 8, 2024

Tired but you have an 8 a.m.? Wake yourself up with a head-splitting alarm that sounds like a street parade in your room. Place your phone in the farthest corner of your room, so you have no choice but to get up and turn it off, and since you’re up,...

Sam Rockwell (left) and Bryce Dallas Howard stand opposite of each other in a scene from Argylle. The new action film will leave fans bored and irritated. (Peter Mountain/Apple via AP)

‘Argylle:’ Another average attempt at action

By Lindsay Curtis, Lifestyle Writer | February 7, 2024

“Argylle” is just another action movie you’re going to forget about in a month. Matthew Vaughn, director and producer of the film, is also known for directing “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service.”  The film centers around...

A screenshot shows Godzilla walking while on fire. Sonys State of Play event announced several games that will release in 2024. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Helldivers, Horror, Hedgehogs coming to PS5

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer | February 5, 2024

In the next few months there will be a plethora of games that will be released, as revealed Jan. 31 in Sony’s first “State of Play” event of the year.  During the event premiere, critical information and gameplay of games releasing in the next...

Taylor Swift holds a Grammy award as she accepts the award for “Album of the Year.” The 66th Grammy awards took place in Los Angeles on Sunday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Taylor Swift makes history at 66th Grammys

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief | February 5, 2024

The 66th annual Grammys brought jaw dropping moments, stunning fashion and breathtaking performances.   Dua Lipa opened the award show at 7 p.m. Sunday with her song “Training Season.”  After the opening performance, host Trevor Noah walked...

Lego depictions of Victor E. Huskie and a person in NIU merch sip drinks while sitting at a wooden table. International Lego Day was celebrated Jan. 28. (Isabel Cambray | Northern Star)

Unleash your creativity: It’s Lego Day!

By Isabel Cambray, Lifestyle Writer | February 2, 2024

As a kid, I remember seeing Lego get more popular with shows like “Lego- Ninjago” along with the many sets being added to their collection to date.  Although I didn’t play then, I now have many unopened boxes sitting in my bedroom waiting to...

A phone sits on carpet with the screen open to the Letterboxd app. The app helps connect film watchers with films they want to watch and other people who love the medium of film. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Social media app for film lovers

By Lindsay Curtis, Lifestyle Writer | February 1, 2024

From casual moviegoers to cinephiles, Letterboxd is the best place on the internet for people to track all the films they’ve ever watched. Letterboxd was started in 2011 by New Zealand entrepreneurs Matt Buchanan and Karl von Randow. Its purpose...