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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

An angular view of the grocery store Meijer in Sycamore. Meijer is one of many stores where students can get discounted groceries at. (Umer Khan | Northern Star)

Saving on groceries makes cents

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 6, 2023

If you’ve spent the first 18 years of your life never giving groceries a second thought, finding ways to budget for weekly shopping can be a daunting task as a college student. Here are a few ways to plan ahead, save and make the most of your grocery...

Xolo Maridueña starring as Jamie Reyes in DC's new superhero movie "Blue Beetle." The film is out in theaters and based on the DC comics. (YouTube)

‘Blue Beetle,’ movie of incredible power

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 6, 2023

Blue Beetle, directed by Angel Soto, is currently one of the best superhero movies of 2023. Xolo Maridueña gives a stunning performance as DC's titular Blue Beetle in what feels like resounding box office success. According to Box Office Mojo,...

(From left) Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri in a scene from the film "Bottoms." The movie is a coming-of-age that mimics "Mean Girls" and "Superbad." (AP newsroom)

‘Bottoms’ is this generation’s ‘Mean Girls’

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | September 5, 2023

The rated-R comedy genre is back; and though I’m not ready to say it’s better than ever, the films are looking pretty great. “No Hard Feelings” starring Jennifer Lawrence arguably started the genre’s return, but “Bottoms” is where the...

Various vinyl records stacked upright at a Barnes & Noble. Albums from Hail the Sun, PJ Harvey and Hot Mulligan released over the summer. (Sarah Rose | Northern Star)

Whimsical, punk albums missed over the summer

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | September 4, 2023

With so much new music coming out every week, it can be hard to decide what’s worth listening to. Here are a few of the best albums released over the summer that you may have missed.  Hot Mulligan - “Why Would I Watch” Hot Mulligan is sure...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Spotify playlist to start academic year

By Northern Star Staff | September 4, 2023

As we ease into the start of the new school year, here's a diverse range of music to get you through it. Sarah’s picks: Frank Ocean - “Ivy” Don Henley - “Dirty Laundry” Bôa - “Duvet” Frank Ocean is known for creating...

The season four poster of the Netflix series "Stranger Things." The show has become a worldwide phenomenon and its fifth season is on the way. (Netflix)

Diverse offerings, Netflix shows to binge

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 4, 2023

In the ever competitive streaming market, companies strive to offer diverse and unique products to draw people in. With these five shows, Netflix doesn't disappoint with many original offerings that cover stories from a wide variety of people and backgrounds.  "THE...

Olivia Rodrigo in the summer of 2021 visiting the White House. The actress and singer releases her second album "Guts" on Sept. 8. (Wikimedia Commons)

Comical movies, new album release next week

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 31, 2023

What’s in the books for next week in terms of media? Read on to discover what music, movies and TV shows are releasing.  ARISTOTLE AND DANTE Based on the bestselling young adult duology by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “Aristotle and Dante Discover...

Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevera star in Amazon Prime's summer movie release "Culpa Mia." The film is perfect for anyone who enjoys thrilling, romance-driven plots. (Amazon Prime Video)

The incest romance genre takes on new twist with ‘Culpa Mia’

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 31, 2023

Culpa Mia was released on Amazon Prime over the summer and is based on the book of the same name written by Mercedes Ron. The movie follows Noah (Nicole Wallace), who leaves her ordinary life behind to live with her mother’s new husband, a classy millionaire....

A view of downtown DeKalb's shops and restaurants. DeKalb contains a rich history for students to get involved in. (Northern Star File Photo)

Familiarize yourself with DeKalb culture

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 30, 2023

DeKALB – The City of DeKalb contains a rich history and fun after-school activities that give students a break from college life. Step off campus and check out these four local sites.  FATTY’S Fatty’s Pub & Grille, located at 1312 Lincoln...

The season two poster for "The Summer I Turned Pretty" which aired from July 14 to Aug. 18. The series features a love triangle and explores what it means to grieve a loved one. (Amazon Prime Video)

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ season 2 endorses toxic relationships

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 30, 2023

Editor's note: This piece contains spoilers. For those who have been on social media recently, it’s impossible to not see the debate of “Team Conrad” or “Team Jeremiah” circling. Amazon Prime’s hit young adult television show “The...

A screen still from the movie "Red, White & Royal Blue." The movie is based on the novel by Casey McQuinston and can be watched on Amazon Prime. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Sparks fly in smash summer rom-com

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | August 29, 2023

Amazon Prime painted our hearts "Red, White and Royal Blue'' this summer as the popular streaming service delivered a heartfelt gay romantic comedy, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston.   In these decisive times, authentic...

The front of the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. The Egyptian hosts dozens of shows and concerts every year. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Upcoming highlights at The Egyptian Theatre

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | August 29, 2023

One of DeKalb’s oldest and most popular businesses, the Egyptian Theatre, promises an eclectic mix of events in the coming months. This season will feature a wide variety of events, ranging from tributes to popular artists to screenings of classic...