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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

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, Managing 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. Swift's 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...

A graphic depicts a blue and purple space background with 12 constellations spread out in a circle. The horoscopes this week suggest a less-than-cheery Valentine's Day. (Northern Star File Photo)

Beware, Valentine’s Day won’t be cheery as it appears 

By Hannah Soukup, Assistant News Editor | February 11, 2024

With Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, many signs might find themselves scrambling for a date or gift for their significant other. As Valentine’s Day falls in Aquarius season, sweet, lovey-dovey vibes won’t be in the air; instead, the energy might serve...

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,...

Mardi Gras, Sweet Stroll taking place this weekend

Mardi Gras, Sweet Stroll taking place this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | February 8, 2024

Editor’s note: If you want your event featured in next week’s Weekend Roundup, email information to [email protected] Friday: February Tattoo Guest Spots: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Dekalb Tattoo Company, 817 W. Lincoln Highway...

The outside of Burger Naan depicts a light-up open sign visible through the restaurant's windows. Burger Naan is a family owned Indian restaurant located in downtown DeKalb. (Sofia Didenko | Northern Star)

Burger Naan offers warm environment, traditional Indian food

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | February 7, 2024

Located adjacent to DeKalb's infamous Egyptian Theatre, an Indian fusion restaurant, Burger Naan, puts a tantalizing twist on classic Indian food with its innovative dishes.   Highlight menu items include butter chicken macaroni and cheese, tandoori...

Students and staff gather around a table in the conference room at the AARC, filling plates with lo mein, sticky rice and potstickers. Food was available to all attendees of the event Tuesday, including veggie potstickers for attendees who don’t eat pork. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Lunar New Year celebrations bridge cultural traditions

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | February 7, 2024

Laughter and idle chatter filled the air as students and staff gathered in celebration of the Lunar New Year.  On Tuesday around 45 staff and students gathered for the Asian American Resource Center’s annual Lunar New Year introductory celebration.   While...

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, Copy Editor | February 6, 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...

Brochures and pamphlets hang on a wall inside NIU's Outdoor Adventures office. Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of activities and resources that can meet any free-spirited student. (Sofia Didenko)

Adventure together with Outdoor Adventures

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | February 6, 2024

Whether seeking a group bonding activity, a new way to exercise or an affordable option for gear rental, NIU Outdoor Adventures is a haven for anyone in search of community, adventure, physical activity and budget-friendly gear rental.  Located within...

A screenshot shows Godzilla walking while on fire. Sony's 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 Editor | 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...

Empty red and black gaming chairs sit in the ESports arena. The arena held a Rocket League championship event Saturday. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

ESports’ afternoon of rockets and racing

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | February 5, 2024

DeKALB – In collaboration with NASCAR, NIU Esports invited both casual and hardcore fans of Rocket League to an event open to all visitors for a chill afternoon of gaming.  Released back in 2015 by Epic Games, Rocket League became one of the bigger...

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, Former 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...