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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 poster shows information about NIU's Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony. The concert will feature new music by African American composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony to perform new composition

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

NIU’s Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony will be performing a brand new composition, “Gale and Zephyr” by composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Nov 28 in the School of Music’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. According...

The Beatles song "Now And Then" cover art against a blue and green background. The Beatles return for one last song which will release on Nov. 2. (Graphic via Business Wire)

The Beatles return for one last song

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

Against all odds, The Beatles have announced a new single. Releasing Nov. 2, the track “Now and Then” is being promoted as the band’s final offering. With members John Lennon and George Harrison having died in 1980 and 2001 respectively, it might...

The outside front entrance of CrackerJax in downtown DeKalb located at 118 N. Third Street. Cracker Jax is DeKalb’s hidden treasure and thrift store. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star).

Hidden treasures, vintage, resale stores

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 30, 2023

DeKALB – Downtown store owners breathe new life and purpose into vintage items. Several hidden gems, antique and resale shops, can be found in the area that are sure to be a treat to visitors with clothing, relics and more from times past.  Shopping...

A person holds a yellow highlighter over an agenda covered in colorful sticky notes. Now that we're halfway through the semester, developing efficient study techniques is crucial. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Mid-school-year study tips

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 30, 2023

Studying is a common struggle for many students; however, there are different ways to study your materials.  Starting to study the night before an exam is an easy way to flunk a test and can dramatically increase stress.  Lakenya McCray, an academic...

A graphic shows a collage of music albums in front of a blue and green colored background. This week's Spotify playlist theme is Halloween songs. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Spooky tunes for Halloween season

By Northern Star Staff | October 29, 2023

It’s not Halloween season without the songs that complete the holiday. Here is a compilation of songs for the frightful season.  Caleb’s picks:  Little Nell, Patricia Quinn, Richard O’Brien - "Time Warp"  Alanna Ubach, Antonio...

"1989 (Taylor's Version)" album on vinyl and CD sit next to each other on a stand in Target. Taylor Swift's re-recorded album features five new tracks, or "vault songs." (Sarah Rose | Northern Star)

Unlocking the ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ vault

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 29, 2023

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” vault songs are the Harry Styles diss tracks fans were hoping for in 2014 with the original release of “1989.” Swift continues her re-release tour with the drop of “1989 (Taylor’s Version).”...

A purple and blue hued sky with the symbols of the zodiac signs sit in a circle illuminated in white. This week's horoscopes talk about love, relationships and confusing situations. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Weekly horoscopes: Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

By Hannah Soukup, Assistant News Editor | October 29, 2023

Although eclipse season has ended, the conjunction of Mercury and Mars on Oct. 29 makes for a strange combination of confusion and romance. For all signs, specifically water and earth placements, closure on confusing situations will be coming. This week...

From left: Bonnie, Freddy Fazbear and Chica stand side by side, staring downward in a scene from "Five Nights at Freddy's." The film recently made its theatrical release after being in the works for eight years. (Universal Pictures via AP)

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ movie not as good as games

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | October 29, 2023

After eight years since the announcement of the adaption, fans are finally able to watch the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie. The movie premiered theatrically on Oct. 27 and was available to stream on Peacock the same day. WHAT IS FIVE NIGHTS...

An art piece shows different breakfast cereals floating in a pool of milk. The NIU Art Museum's new suite of exhibits open Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

Food insecurity exhibits come to NIU Art Museum

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | October 28, 2023

Food security and sustainability are quintessential to living happy, healthy lives. Unfortunately, not everyone has adequate access to such resources. Because eating is necessary for us to survive, food is something that crosses boundaries.  That's...

Peter Parker's Spider-Man looks over New York City during sunrise in the game "Marvel's Spider-Man 2." The PS5 console game features two playable Spider-Man's that contain new abilities. (Courtesy of YouTube)

A love letter to Spider-Man fans

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 26, 2023

With the month of October nearly complete, the month marks the release of Insomniac Games’ third Spider-Man game which, unlike the first two games, will exclusively be for the PlayStation 5.  Officially known as “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” this...

Jacob Elordi as Elvis (left) and Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla face each other and clasp hands in a scene from "Priscilla." The A24 film releases in theaters on Nov. 3. (Sabrina Lantos/A24 via AP)

Priscilla Presley, true crime comes to big screens

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | October 26, 2023

Get your popcorn money and take a trip down to your local theaters. Whether you’re a crime lover, music lover or a fan of story retellings, the movies have something for everyone.   “Priscilla” Austin Butler gave an astounding performance...

The outside of HOTWORX, a pilates studio, located in Sycamore. The newly opened gym consists of an infrared sauna and has 11 different types of workout sessions. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

HOTWORX is turning up the heat in DeKalb

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 25, 2023

DeKALB – Feel the burn with HOTWORX as it celebrates its grand opening. The 24-hour fitness studio is creating buzz, as members are burning away calories to hit their 27,000 calorie goal, known as HOTWORX Level 7.   HOTWORX is the newest addition...