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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 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, 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, 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...

Little girl in witch costume has fun outdoors on Halloween trick or treat. The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds trick-or-treaters to be aware of potential dangers this Halloween. (Getty Images)

Illinois Department of Public Health’s tips for trick-or-treaters

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | October 25, 2023

For this upcoming Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides a list of things to keep in mind during this holiday in order to stay safe and healthy.   If you feel sick while trick-or-treating or handing out candy, remember...

The characters Wirt (left) and Gregory from the series "Over the Garden Wall" walk through a forest at night. The series is streaming on Hulu and is perfect to watch during the fall season. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Autumn season is ‘Over the Garden Wall’ season

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | October 25, 2023

“Gilmore Girls” and “Friday Night Lights” are considered great shows to watch for the fall season, so it’s time to add “Over the Garden Wall” to that list. Created by Patrick McHale, the animated miniseries aired in 2014 on Cartoon Network...

Adults and kids in Halloween costumes stroll up and down downtown DeKalb. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host several Halloween activities such as a "Casper" showing and trick-or-treating. (Northern Star File Photo)

Spooky season has kicked off in DeKalb

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 24, 2023

DeKALB – Calling all ghosts and ghouls to downtown DeKalb for some spooktacular festivities. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to celebrate its 26th annual Spooktacular Halloween in downtown DeKalb with over 30 local merchants Thursday. Guests...