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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

A phone with “Avatar: The Last Airbender” pulled up in it sits on a wood table. The newest version of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” releases in February. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Stunning visuals: Last Airbender reborn

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | January 30, 2024

From the ashes of war, the Fire Nation seeks to conquer the lands of Air, Earth and Water. Only the Avatar, one who wields all four elements, can stop them and restore balance to the world.  In Netflix's second trailer to the highly anticipated, if...

A mix of characters from "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2 The Indigo Disk DLC" pose in space. The game's newest DLC concludes the game's first DLC release. (Courtesy of Nintendo)

Indigo Disk Epilogue leaves fans wanting more

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | January 30, 2024

From the lush hills of Kitakami to the blue shores of Unova, Pokémon comes full circle in the final epilogue of “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.”  Recently, Nintendo distributed the Mythical Pecha Berry to players of their most recent titles...

Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) sits at a table looking at a plan for a new furnace. Höss is the patriarch of the main family in the 2023 film "The Zone of Interest." (Agata Grzybowska | A24)

‘The Zone of Interest’ feels lazy

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | January 29, 2024

A film that follows a Nazi commandant while not showing any of the concentration camps and instead uses sound as a means of navigating the experience of the banality of evil sounds like something great.  Having it be directed by Jonathan Glazer and,...

A character from the video game "Elden Ring" looks out over a chasm. "Elden Ring" is one of the many games receiving DLC this year. (Business Wire)

Video games to look out for this year

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | January 29, 2024

There is nothing more exciting for a gamer than finding out a game they’re hyped for is releasing soon or one they’re absolutely infatuated with is getting DLC in the near future.  Feeling your heart skip a beat as you read the news blowing up...

A graphic depicts a blue and purple space background with 12 constellations spread out in a circle. The horoscopes for this week suggest resilience and an idle work week. (Northern Star File Photo)

Last full moon brings calm, Mars has other ideas

By Hannah Soukup, Assistant News Editor | January 28, 2024

The full moon in Leo on Thursday brought a newfound tranquility, or to some placements, a lack of excitement. The full moon might have brought new revelations, many of which were unexpected and much-needed. Fortunately for some and unfortunately for others,...

Zulauf Hall, the home of most offices for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, stands in front of some trees. The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies hosted a hot cocoa event in Zulauf on Thursday. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Center for NNGO Studies hosts hot cocoa table

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | January 28, 2024

DeKALB – The scent of hot cocoa immediately wafted through the air, and the sounds of cheerful conversation could be heard. Visitors were encouraged to choose from a variety of delectable sweets and treats to spice up their hot cocoa or enjoy on the...

TJ Hill, the regional director of Semester at Sea, sits at an informational desk at the Holmes Student Center on Thursday. Semester at Sea is a program that offers students a study abroad experience that visits many countries while taking classes on a cruise ship. (Sofia Didenko | Northern Star)

Study abroad cruise available for NIU students

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | January 28, 2024

DeKALB – Students living on a floating campus navigate through homework as well as the ocean, reflecting on the iconic teen show “Suite Life on Deck.”  Anticipation of a far-away destination lingers as about 600 young travelers take on the open...

Whiskey-fueled laughs, D&D this weekend

Whiskey-fueled laughs, D&D this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | January 25, 2024

Editor’s note: If you want your event featured in next week’s Weekend Roundup, email information to [email protected] Friday: Barrel of Laughs: 9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Whiskey Acres, 11504 Keslinger Road SEA Club Potluck: 6 p.m....

Works from within the “What is for Supper? What is a Meal?” exhibitions are displayed under low light Thursday in the NIU Art Museum within Altgeld Hall. The exhibitions explore a variety of food and eating habits. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

Unity, well-being in a meal

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | January 25, 2024

DeKALB – With the beginning of another semester, the NIU Art Museum is presenting three astounding new exhibits which explore food for well-being, socialization and sustainability, among other things.  Located on the first floor of Altgeld Hall,...

The Oscars trophy stands in front of red curtains. This year's Oscar Nominations were announced Tuesday. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

2024 Oscar nominations disappoint

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | January 24, 2024

The long-awaited nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were finally revealed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday. Like any other award show, this year’s nominations are filled with snubs and surprises, so here’s a list...

Ryan Gosling (from left), Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig look at a screen on the set of "Barbie." Gosling has been receiving far more praise for his performance as Ken in the film, where Robbie and Gerwig are receiving less praise. (Jaap Buitendijk | Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

The Oscars didn’t do ‘Ken-ough’

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | January 24, 2024

It’s Ken’s world, and we’re just living in it. Well, at least that’s what the award shows want us to think. Oscar nominations came out Tuesday, and, like always, they caused some stir in the film world.  Whether it be the Flamin’ Hot...

Two books by Sajni Patel, “The Knockout” and “My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding,” sit upright on a desk. Patel’s newest book, “A Drop of Venom,” released last week. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

‘A Drop Of Venom’ highlights female empowerment

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | January 23, 2024

An enchanting tale of tragedy, triumph and love entices readers as we enter a world of heroes, villains and magic.   Sajni Patel delivers a beautifully diverse and colorful story, dripping with female empowerment, in her latest novel "A Drop of Venom."  On...