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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

On Monday, Members of the NIU Percussion Band play at the in the MLK Commons at the Sound Garden. Students used instruments such as rain shakers, maracas, gongs, chimes and more to create relaxing sounds. (Grace Kilbreath | Northern Star)

Huskie Sound Garden creates peaceful atmosphere with percussion ensemble

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

The NIU Percussion Ensemble performed a tranquil and harmonious showing during their Huskie Sound Garden event at 1 p.m. on Monday at MLK Commons. Influenced by English songwriter and musician Brian Eno, the ensemble performed an array of soothing...

El Jimador Mexican Grill, at 206 E. Lincoln Highway, joins over 30 local businesses in celebrating NIU’s 118th Homecoming as an official Homecoming Host. Homecoming Hosts offer discounts throughout the week for students. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Local businesses roll out the red and black carpet for NIU’s 118th Homecoming

By Cheryl Seguin, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

As NIU celebrates its 118th Homecoming, DeKalb’s business community is stepping up to show Huskie pride in a big way. More than 30 local businesses have signed on as official Homecoming hosts, offering exclusive discounts, special experiences and more...

Student organizations march behind a “March of the Huskies” banner during the 2024 Homecoming celebration in downtown DeKalb. The event will return in 2025 at 6 p.m. on Thursday as part of NIU’s ongoing effort to make Homecoming welcoming for everyone. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU brings on Homecoming traditions, old and new

By Cayden Wells, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

NIU has the oldest college Homecoming in Illinois, a tradition that has evolved from a student versus alumni football game into a weeklong campus-wide celebration.  While some traditions have gone, NIU is reviving its Homecoming, blending new and...

Aviane Marrufo (left), daughter of Carmesha Hicks, complex coordinator of Neptune and Gilbert Residence Halls, zip lines down Second Street during the Homecoming Block Party of Fall 2024. The Homecoming Block Party will return in 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday from the 100 to 400 block of East Lincoln Highway. (Northern Star File Photo)

Weekly Writeup: Homecoming events, concerts and campfires

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

In this Weekly Writeup, you can find various Homecoming events such as the Homecoming Block Party, a recycled boat race, a video game showdown, campfire events and more.  HUSKIE SOUND GARDEN  Date and Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday  Location:...

Gabriel Roethle, a world music second year masters student, practices a piece composed by Johann Sebastion Bach, “Lute Suite in E minor,” on Wednesday in Room 103 of the Music Building. NIU’s International Guitar Recital Series will start at 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday with guitarist Isaac Bustos. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

International guitarists to visit NIU Music Building

By Sofia Didenko, Lifestyle Editor | September 25, 2025

The School of Music will host a 2025 international guitar series from Sept. 26 to April 21, where guitarists from different countries will perform at NIU.  All concerts will be free of charge and take place in the NIU Recital Hall in the Music Building...

Raylin York, daughter of Chicago resident Lynnda York, high fives Victor E. Huskie at the Homecoming Kickoff Event on Oct. 14, 2024, outside of the Holmes Student Center. Students, alumni and DeKalb residents will be able to meet NIU’s mascots at the fifth annual Brunch with Mission and Victor E. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the Altgeld Auditorium. (Northern Star File Photo)

A guide to NIU’s 118th Homecoming

By Cayden Wells, Cheryl Seguin, Rachael Swinson, and Sofia Didenko | September 25, 2025

Homecoming is upon us and with it comes exciting unique events prospective attendees can look forward to.  Coi Leray Concert Students can enjoy viral songs at Coi Lerey’s concert, a chart-topping rapper, singer and songwriter. Known for songs...

A shelf displays an assortment of books. Copy Editor Rachael Swinson recommends six new books releasing this fall. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Books to fall into as the leaves change

By Rachael Swinson, Copy Editor | September 24, 2025

Fall is upon us, and with it comes many anticipated books. Here is a look at six books readers will be able to get their hands within the next few months.  “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” by Margaret Atwood Known for her infamous novel “The...

A TV displays “K-Pop Demon Hunters” on Netflix. Video Editor Jenny Javkhlantugs gave the movie a rating of 9 out of 10. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

With music and magic, HUNTR/X battles demons in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

By Jenny Javkhlantugs, Video Editor | September 23, 2025

With their powerful voices, saving Honmoon from demonic powers – “KPop Demon Hunters” are taking the world by storm. The new animated musical was released by Sony Pictures on June 20.  Warning: Spoilers Ahead! To set the scene, a century...

Blue light protection glasses sit on top of a computer in the NIU Esports Arena located in Altgeld Hall 100. Blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain, a potential health issue for gamers. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

How health and wellness impact the gaming community

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer | September 23, 2025

Playing video games can be rewarding both as a fun, casual hobby and as a competitive venture in esports. However, a closer look reveals deeper physical and mental health risks that should be addressed and understood. Gaming and esports contribute...

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