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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Jonathan Shelby

Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Jonathan Shelby is currently a senior with a major in journalism. He loves to think about and write stories whether they are fictional or factual. Jonathan enjoys reading books, listening to different types of music and mindlessly scrolling through YouTube. 

All content by Jonathan Shelby
The NIU Jazz Ensemble performs in front of an audience Tuesday night. The NIU Jazz Ensemble performed several songs from various jazz artists. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

NIU Jazz Ensemble brings harmony through jazz classics

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 19, 2024
Moon Knight stands ready to throw his weapon. 'MARVEL Rivals' is a multiplayer hero-based game with a roster of 33 characters. (MARVEL under Fair Use)

‘MARVEL Rivals,’ a unique game for Marvel characters

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 18, 2024
Assistant Lifestyle Editor Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This weekend, check out the Dark Arts and Oddities Con. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Dark arts and book sales this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 14, 2024
The Chinese Music Ensemble prepares to take a bow after performing the Taiwanese folk song, "Peach Blossom Ferry Crossing." The World Music program performed several pieces of East Asian music in a concert Wednesday. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

World Music Program delivers an explosion of East Asian music

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 13, 2024
The red, pink and yellow rangers battle against a squad of enemies. "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Return" will be released on Dec. 10 and feature regular "beat-em-up" style gameplay. (IGN under Fair Use)

Power Rangers unite in new beat-em-up style game

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 11, 2024
The Chinese Music Ensemble performs in El Grito to celebrate the anniversaries of Independence for various Latin American countries. The World Music program met their goal of $10,000 through their fundraiser last Monday. (Dr. Jui-Ching Wang | NIU)

‘World Music’ gains funds for new equipment

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 8, 2024
Jonathan Shelby stands in front of a sign for "Machinal." This weekend, check out this play and the New Music Festival: Concert #3. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Music and ‘Machinal’ madness

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 7, 2024
Shadow the Hedgehog speeds through "Act 1" of the Kingdom Valley zone. "Sonic X Shadow Generations" was released last month featuring stories around Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog. (SEGA under Fair Use)

‘Sonic X Shadow Generations,’ a perfect representation of two icons

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 4, 2024
Jonathan Shelby stands dressed as Coach Prime. This weekend, check out the Farewell to Alebrijes event at the Founders Memorial Library. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Dark dramas and more this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 31, 2024
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs to the audience to kick off the concert on Wednesday night in the Boutell Concert Hall. The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed several spooky songs in celebration of Halloween. (Nia Jackson | Northern Star)

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra delivers terrifying tunes

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 30, 2024
A player fires the "PLAS-101 Purifier" as an orbital bombardment rains down on a distant group of enemies. "Helldivers 2" received the last few changes of the 60-day plan and saw a dramatic increase in players. (Sony Interactive Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2 60-day plan’ update does wonders

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 29, 2024
Jonathan Shelby stands outside. This weekend in DeKalb, check out Pumpkin Fest, "Macbeth" and more. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Spooky events creep around next weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 24, 2024
Shadow the Hedgehog walks away from an explosion and toward a shuttle. "Dark Beginnings" is a short YouTube series that acts as a prelude to the story of "Sonic X Shadow Generations" releasing on Oct. 25. (SEGA under Fair Use)

‘Dark Beginnings’ a prelude to the unknown

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 24, 2024
The members of the Jazz Faculty Recital perform in front of an audience. The recital pays tribute to Benny Golson, a legendary jazz saxophonist who passed away last month. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

‘Faculty Recital’ remembers Benny Golson’s legacy

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 22, 2024
Jonathan Shelby, assistant lifestyle editor, stands in front of the Northern Star's "failure to launch" poster. This weekend is the Homecoming football game, the Divine Nine Rep Yo Step competition and more. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Enjoy the weekend with Homecoming events

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 17, 2024
Students from the NIU Percussion Ensemble stand near the Founders Memorial Library and MLK Commons at the “Huskie Sound Garden” event. Gongs, windchimes, rain sticks, finger cymbals and handbells were among the instruments performed. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

‘Sound Garden’ brings harmony to homecoming

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 15, 2024
Son Goku stands confidently in Super Saiyan after successfully blocking an attack. "Dragon Ball: DAIMA" released this past Friday with astounding visuals and story elements. (Crunchyroll under Fair Use)

‘Dragon Ball: DAIMA’ blows away all expectations

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 13, 2024
Jonathan Shelby, assistant lifestyle editor, stands in front of a bench. This weekend, NIU student organizations will be given the chance to paint the windows of the Holmes Student Center. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Kickstart fall with a festival and concert

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 10, 2024
The NIU Jazz Orchestra bows to the crowd after their last song, “Ms. Garvey, Ms. Garvey” composed by Jason Marshall. The NIU Jazz Orchestra is led by Director and Professor of Jazz Studies Roosevelt Griffin III. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU School of Music jazzes up a storm

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 9, 2024
Mephiles the Dark stands menacingly with his fist clenched. A new story trailer revealed that additional old characters would appear in "Sonic X Shadow Generations." (Sony Under Fair Use)

Beloved characters return in ‘Sonic X Shadow Generations’

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 8, 2024
Jonathan Shelby, assistant lifestyle editor, stands in the grass. This weekend, check out the "Mary Stuart" play and the Kishwaukee Concert Band performance. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Concerts, dramas and jazz this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 4, 2024

‘At Play’ exhibit generates vivid nostalgia

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 3, 2024
A player fires the "R-36 Eruptor" at a large group of enemies while hurrying to the extraction point. 'Helldivers 2' received its best update yet in September that significantly improved various gameplay elements. (Sony Interactive Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2’ revitalized after latest update

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 1, 2024
A player prepares to start a round of "Flappy Bird" on their mobile phone. "Flappy Bird" released a trailer detailing its re-release later this year. (IGN under Fair Use)

‘Flappy Bird’ flaps again after a decade

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 29, 2024

Weekend Rundown: Orchestra and ‘Corn Classic’ grace DeKalb

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 27, 2024
A stage sits at Hopkins Park, located at 1403 Sycamore Road. On Saturday, the park hosted the Burning Cicada Arts and Music Festival. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

‘Burning Cicada Festival’ offers a hand against addiction

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 22, 2024
Super Saiyan 4 Goku prepares to fire his x10 Kamehameha wave as electricity crackles around him. The new trailer for "Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO" showcases characters from the "Dragon Ball GT" series. (Bandai Namco Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO’ builds excitement with ‘GT’ characters

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 20, 2024
A poster for the Burning Cicada arts and music festival hangs on a wall. The festival will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Burning Cicada Festival welcomes DeKalb community

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 17, 2024
One Helldiver poses closer to the camera while three other Helldivers celebrate in the background. Arrowhead Game Studios has slowly started to earn back player favor. (Sony Under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2’ fans optimistic for update

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 16, 2024
A disc golf basket goal sits Wednesday afternoon at Prairie Park in DeKalb. The first hole of the disc golf course is a Par 3 that is 242 yards. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Disc golf helps to de-stress

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 11, 2024
Characters stand in the game "Concord." Two weeks after the games initial release it was recalled. (PlayStation under Fair Use)

‘Concord’ recalled after two weeks

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 9, 2024
A calendar planner sits on a desk. Planning out your schedule is key to staying organized in college. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Schedule your time; use it wisely

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
August 28, 2024
A player shoots their weapon in "Helldivers 2." The newest update of the game, "Escalation of Freedom," introduced disappointing updates. (Sony Interactive Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2’ update riddled with odd changes

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
August 26, 2024

Cinco de Mayo, concert to occur this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
May 2, 2024
Loki stands in front of a white background in the "Marvel Rivals" trailer released on April 23. Loki is a new character to the game with lots of unique abilities. (IGN under Fair Use)

‘Marvel Rivals’ showcases Loki’s charms

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
May 1, 2024
A photo of a pair of sunglasses in sand sits in front of a blue background. As summer approaches, there are songs with summer vibes you should listen to. (Northern Star Graphic)

Summer songs to chill with

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 30, 2024

Check out football, dance this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 25, 2024
Alexa Flores (from left), a junior communications major, Alondra Duenas, a senior communications major, and Ashley McNamara, a senior health sciences major, sit in the Founders Memorial Library. As finals week approaches, utilizing good study habits is important. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Tips for crushing finals

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 24, 2024
Characters from the upcoming "Star Wars" game talk to each other. Ubisoft released a cinematic trailer for "Star Wars Outlaws" on April 9. (Ubisoft under Fair Use)

‘Star Wars Outlaws’ fantastic or flop

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 23, 2024

Check out networking, climate events this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 17, 2024
A group of people stand, looking at booths at Karoshi-Con. Karoshi-Con is the NIU Anime Association's annual convention and was held on Saturday. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Karoshi-Con a blast for anime fans

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 14, 2024

Puppies, plays to fill this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 11, 2024
A lone helldiver hurries to the ship before it leaves without him in a clip from the game "Helldivers 2." "Helldivers 2" was quietly updated in early April. (Sony Interactive Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2’ releases secret updates

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 11, 2024
A screen with "Thank you for coming" projected onto it sits at the front of the Cole Hall auditorium after the first day of the Reality Bytes Student Film Festival. The second day of the festival is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Reality Bytes film festival kicks off

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 9, 2024
People sit on the grass during the eclipse on Monday behind Lowden Hall. At this eclipse event, students could watch the sky, learn about the eclipse or hang out with friends. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Physics Department hosts large eclipse event

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 8, 2024

Drag show, concert headline this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 4, 2024
Adam Smith, a junior mechanical engineering major, looks down at the pins getting ready to deliver the ball down the lane. The Graduate school of NIU hosted a Bowling and Billiards event for students on Monday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Graduate School takes over Huskie Den

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 1, 2024
Many Marvel superheroes fight in a large-scale clash. "Marvel Rivals" is the newest Marvel game and features multiplayer PVP. (Marvel)

‘Marvel Rivals’ takes page from ‘Overwatch,’ ‘Valorant’

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
April 1, 2024

Drag show, Easter brunch fill this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 28, 2024
Jakob Furgat speaks to the group about the Esports culture in Asia on Tuesday night in the Esports Arena at Altgeld Hall. The event was hosted by the Asian American Resource Center Ohana Series in collaboration with NIU Esports. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

AARC teams up with NIU Esports

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 26, 2024
The words "Dragon Ball Sparking Zero" sit in front of a black background. Gameplay for "Sparking Zero," the newest "Dragon Ball" game, was released on March 20. (Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. under Fair Use)

‘Sparking! ZERO’ Captures the Old Tenkaichi Feel

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 25, 2024

Easter ‘hoppenings’ this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 21, 2024
A black-suited Spider-Man perches on a rooftop and overlooks a city. "Spider-Man 2" released a new DLC on March 7. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

‘Spider-Man 2’ DLC adds fan-requested features

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 19, 2024
Groups of students play poker at game tables. The NIU CAB hosted a Casino Night Thursday from 9 p.m. to midnight in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Over 173 students enjoy CAB’s casino night

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 9, 2024

Celebrate Easter, St. Patrick’s Day over break

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 7, 2024
The words "Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection" sit in front of many Star Wars characters. The "Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection" will be released March 14. (Aspyr / Lucasfilm)

‘Star Wars Battlefront’ to rerelease

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 5, 2024
DragonBall characters Goku Black (left) and Zamasu stand next to each other looking down. The newest update for season five of "DragonBall: The Breakers" introduces crossplay and a new horror element. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Season five revitalizes ‘Dragon Ball: The Breakers’

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
March 4, 2024

Skateboarding, linedancing highlight this weekend’s events

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 29, 2024
A woman poses wearing a black Stryke hoodie. Stryke is a new website, similar to LinkedIn, that networks students. (Courtesy of Crystal Kendzior)

Stryke, a new way to network

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 27, 2024
The words "Elden Ring" sit on a black screen, on the title screen of the game "Elden Ring." A large DLC package for "Elden Ring" was announced Feb. 21. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

‘Elden Ring’ DLC closer than ever

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 26, 2024

Country night, movie breakfast make up weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 22, 2024
A screenshot from “Helldivers 2” shows a player fending off a horde of bugs as they finish completing an objective. “Helldivers 2” released Feb. 8. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Launch feet first into ‘Helldivers 2’

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 21, 2024
Game character Vegeta floats in the sky as an explosion takes place below him. The new trailer for "Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero" anticipates new attacks and characters to fight. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Sparking Zero,’ best Dragon Ball game ever

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 15, 2024

All you can eat crabs, variety show highlight this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 15, 2024
Two women stand holding a bag of Doritos Dinamita. These women chased after a man who took the last bag of chips in what was one of the standout commercials from this year's Super Bowl. (Frito-Lay via AP)

‘The Big Game’ commercials that crack a smile

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 12, 2024
Mardi Gras, Sweet Stroll taking place this weekend

Mardi Gras, Sweet Stroll taking place this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 8, 2024
A screenshot shows Godzilla walking while on fire. Sony's State of Play event announced several games that will release in 2024. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Helldivers, Horror, Hedgehogs coming to PS5

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 5, 2024
Empty red and black gaming chairs sit in the ESports arena. The arena held a Rocket League championship event Saturday. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

ESports’ afternoon of rockets and racing

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
February 5, 2024
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