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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, Lifestyle Editor

Jonathan Shelby is a senior with a major in journalism and a minor in business communications. 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
Jonathan Shelby sits behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This Weekend Writeup features events such as an art exhibition and a performance by the Kishwaukee Symphony. (Jenny Javkhlantugs| Northern Star)

Classic rock, mysterious dreams this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
March 19, 2025
A Pokémon trainer and his Lucario avoid an attack from a Pyroar. "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" will be released in late 2025 and will feature a brand-new battle style. (The Pokémon Company under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ introduces real-time battle mechanics

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer
March 19, 2025
Five of Daredevil's helmets in various colors sit in a row. Episodes for "Daredevil: Born Again" will be released every Tuesday and will feature characters such as Kingpin, Bullseye and White Tiger. (Marvel Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ takes hero to darker places

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
March 17, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This weekend features events such as a children's play and a performance by the Kishwaukee Concert Band. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

Children’s balls, Fantastical Blooms this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
March 7, 2025
The faces of Assistant Video Editor Ryan Day and Opinion Editor Emily Beebe hang next to the StarNotes logo. The third installment in the "Paddington" film series, "Paddington in Peru" released Feb. 14 and is a solid family film choice. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

StarNotes: ‘Paddington’ an underrated family film

By Ryan Day and Jonathan Shelby
March 6, 2025
A tall, masked figure reaches out toward the camera. "Until Dawn" is a film releasing April 25 that shares the same name as the game released in 2015. (Sony under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Until Dawn’ trailer leaves more to be desired

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer
March 5, 2025
The character Orson Krennic stares at the Death Star as it is being built. Season 2 of "Andor" will feature new and returning faces as well as much more action. (Disney under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Andor’ Season 2 sets plan of revolution into motion

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
March 3, 2025
Son Goku stands in his Super Saiyan 3 transformation. "Dragon Ball: DAIMA" concluded on March 1, a year from Akira Toriyama's, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, passing with 20 episodes. (Funimation under Fair Use)

‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ a heartfelt ending to the action packed series

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
March 3, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. In this Weekend Writeup, you can find events happening on campus this weekend. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

Black Heritage, ‘Prowess’ this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 28, 2025
The faces of Assistant Lifestyle Editor Kahlil Kambui, Assistant Video Editor Ryan Day and Photo Editor Ethan Rodriguez sit next to the StarNotes logo. Marvel's "Captain America: Brave New World" released Feb. 14 and has received mixed reviews. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

‘StarNotes:’ Marvel’s latest movie misses its mark

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 27, 2025
Gabriel Roethle and Ethan Cowburn perform their improvised piece for the audience. The World Music Graduate Program performed "Sounds of Fusion" in the Founders Memorial Library to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Music Program. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

World Music Program holds third 50-year celebration performance

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 27, 2025
Spider-Man shoots a web strand from his left web shooter. Episodes 9 and 10 of "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" left many questions for Season 2. (Marvel Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ spins its next chapter

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
February 24, 2025
The Human Torch uses his "Blazing Blast" and "Pyro-Prison" abilities to summon walls of fire. The Human Torch and The Thing were both added along with the new "Central Park" map to celebrate the mid-season. (Marvel Games under Fair Use)

The Thing and Human Torch join ‘Marvel Rivals’

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 24, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This Weekend Writeup contains events such as the "Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Self-Care Fair" and more. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

‘Rocky Horror,’ self-care this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 21, 2025
Spider-Man and Daredevil fight on top of a helicopter under the light of the moon. "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" features several character developments and easter eggs to Marvel comics. (Marvel Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ continues to impress

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
February 19, 2025
The status screen of the PlayStation network shows all systems are operational. The PSN went offline for nearly 24 hours with the cause being unknown. (PlayStation under Fair Use)

[Photo] PlayStation Network outage frustrates weekend gamers

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer
February 19, 2025
A poster for "Holler River" hangs on a wall in the Holmes Student Center. The NIU School of Theatre and Dance will be performing for the second time this semester this weekend. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

[Photo] ‘Holler River’ a dark, heart wrenching homecoming

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
February 18, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This Weekend Writeup features events such as the School of Theatre and Dance's newest production and a virtual reality event. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

‘Holler River,’ virtual reality this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 13, 2025
Assistant Video Editor Ryan Day, Assistant Lifestyle Editor Kahlil Kambui and Videographer Alexis Williams discuss their thoughts and reactions to "Heart Eyes." "Heart Eyes" is a slasher horror that takes place on Valentine's Day. (Ryan Day | Assistant Video Editor)

StarNotes: Lovely horror to celebrate Valentine’s Day

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 12, 2025
A seal with the face of the musician "Seal" sings a parody of his song "Kiss from a Rose." Super Bowl LIX had less memorable commercials compared to past years. (Mountain Dew under Fair Use)

Best commercials from Super Bowl LIX

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 10, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo with the Holmes Student Center in the background. This Weekend Writeup features events such as a sweet stroll through downtown DeKalb and 3D printing spaceships. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

Sweet strolls, 3D spaceships this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 6, 2025
The faces of Ryan Day, Nia Jackson and Kahlil Kambui hang next to the StarNotes logo. "Dogman" was released last Friday and is based off of the series by Dav Pilkey. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

StarNotes: ‘Dog Man’ Dreamworks’ next success

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 5, 2025
Beyonce stands on stage with her daughter Blue Ivy Carter as she accepts her Grammy Award. Beyonce won Grammys for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance," "Album of the Year" and "Best Country Album" at the 67th Grammy Awards. (Recording Academy / GRAMMYS under Fair Use)

[Photo] Beyoncé makes history at 67th annual Grammy Awards

By Emily Beebe, Opinion Editor
February 5, 2025
Spider-Man swings in front of a car to prevent it from hitting a bus. "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" was released Jan. 29 and showcases the early days of Spider-Man's career as a superhero. (Marvel Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ swings high

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
February 4, 2025
Son Goku fires a Kamehameha wave while in his Super Saiyan transformation. "Dragon Ball: DAIMA" is set to conclude Feb. 28 and is the last work of the franchise's creator Akira Toriyama." (Crunchyroll under Fair Use)

‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ represents the best of ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
February 2, 2025
Jonathan Shelby stands with his arm raised behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This Weekend Writeup features events such as the Hasty Measures concert and the Polarpalooza winter festival. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

Hasty concerts, winter celebrations this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 31, 2025
A red snake slithers next to the year "2025." This Lunar New Year is the year of the Snake, symbolizing letting go of the past and looking toward the future. (GettyImages)

[Photo] Slither into the Lunar New Year

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
January 30, 2025
The Chinese Music Ensemble smiles for a group photo after their performance. The Ensemble performed in the Founders Memorial Library to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Chinese Ensemble celebrates Lunar New Year

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 30, 2025
A player fires the AC-8 Autocannon at a group of enemies. Five U.S. territories were removed from the restrictions list set in May last year. (Jonathan Shelby| Northern Star)

‘Helldivers 2’ returns to five U.S. territories after ban

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 30, 2025
The faces of Ryan Day, Emily Beebe, Nia Jackson and Kahlil Kambui are placed next to the StarNotes logo. In this episode, they discuss their thoughts on the "Mufasa" movie and the "Lion King" franchise. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

StarNotes: ‘Mufasa,’ an odd addition to ‘Lion King’ franchise

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 28, 2025
Visitors line up to hurl axes at the targets. The Campus Activity Board held their "Glow at Holmes" event which featured several glow-in-the-dark activities. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Late night activities in ‘Glow at Holmes’

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 27, 2025

Local concerts, glow activities this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 24, 2025
The faces of Ryan Day, Austin Lamb and Kahlil Kambui are placed next to the StarNotes logo. In this episode, they discuss what happened in Season 2 of the Netflix series, "Squid Game." (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

StarNotes: Breaking down ‘Squid Game’ Season 2

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 23, 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 rests next to Mario Kart characters on a screen. The Nintendo Switch 2 was confirmed to be released this year in a showcase trailer last Thursday. (Nintendo of America under Fair Use)

[Photo] Long awaited ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ gets release window

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer
January 21, 2025
Matt Murdock (Daredevil) and Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) sit in a diner in New York City. "Daredevil: Born Again" will stream on Disney+ on March 4 and will start from where the third season of the Netflix "Daredevil" series left off. (Marvel Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ continues the Netflix series’ legacy

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
January 20, 2025
A white PlayStation controller rests next to a neon keyboard. Several sequels to popular games such as "Elden Ring" and "Grand Theft Auto V" are scheduled to be released later this year. (GettyImages)

New year, new collection of games

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 17, 2025

Ghastly tours and campfire events

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 17, 2025
Olive the reindeer stands next to a festively decorated sleigh. CAB Winter Wonderland was rescheduled for Jan. 15 and had events such as a reindeer petting zoo and ice-skating rink. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

CAB’s Winter Wonderland returns with reindeer

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 16, 2025
Ryan Day, Ethan Rodriguez and Jonathan Shelby share their thoughts on the "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" movie. "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" was released last month and was faithful to the franchise. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

StarNotes: the good and bad of the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ movie

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 15, 2025
The main character, Ellen, screams in horror after Count Orlock appears suddenly and strangles her. "Nosferatu" (2024) retells the story of the classic "Nosferatu" (1922) and plays off of the story of Dracula. (Universal Pictures All -Access under Fair Use)

[Photo] ‘Nosferatu,’ a must-see retelling of the original

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
January 15, 2025
The Thing stares at the sky next to a damaged bus. Marvel Rivals transitioned into Season 1 and released two new characters with two more on the way. (Marvel Games under Fair Use)

‘Marvel Rivals’ Season 1 introduces Fantastic Four

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
January 13, 2025
A student sits in front of their desk preparing to start their work. These are a few tips students can use to prepare for the next semester. (GettyImages under Fair Use)

[Photo] Tackling the spring semester

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
January 13, 2025
Spider-Man swings next to a moving New York train and waves at the passengers. A new Spider-Man series will be released on Jan. 29 on Disney+ and will showcase the early days of Peter Parker's career as Spider-Man. (MARVEL Entertainment under Fair Use)

[Photo] Look out, here comes a brand-new Spider-man

By Ethan Quirk, Lifestyle Writer
January 13, 2025
Assistant Lifestyle Editor Jonathan Shelby stand behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This weekend, check out some holiday themed events in DeKalb. (Northern Star Graphic)

Weekend Rundown: Holiday events to check out

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
December 6, 2024
Hot chocolate, marshmallows and whipped cream sit on a table in the library. The members of Gaming For All invited students to enjoy some hot cocoa and games Wednesday evening. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

‘Cozy Gaming Night’ serves cocoa and stress-free gaming

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
December 5, 2024
Black Widow and Hawkeye stand side by side ready to fire their weapons at the enemy. MARVEL Rivals released their launch trailer Saturday which revealed the last few unknown characters included in the original roster. (MARVEL Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘MARVEL Rivals’ launch trailer reveals previously unknown characters

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
December 2, 2024
The title of the Golden Joystick Awards is displayed before the show is streamed. The Golden Joystick Game Awards awarded several video game titles, developers and voice actors last Thursday. (GamesRadar for Fair Use)

Tough competition in the ‘Golden Joystick Awards’

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
December 1, 2024
A poster for the "Paquita" Fall Dance Concert depicts a dancer moving with elegance and grace. The Fall Dance Concert has showings from Nov. 21 to Nov. 24 and features three shows performed by the School of Theatre and Dance students. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

[Photo] Fall Dance Concert moves through movement

By Brynn Hussemann, Lifestyle Writer
November 22, 2024
Jonathan Shelby stands behind the Weekend Rundown logo. This weekend, check out the School of Theatre and Dance's Fall Dance Concert. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Weekend Rundown: Music and a romantic ballet this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
November 21, 2024
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, Lifestyle Editor
November 20, 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, 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, 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, Lifestyle Editor
November 14, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, Lifestyle Editor
October 14, 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, 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, Lifestyle Editor
October 10, 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, 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, Lifestyle Editor
October 4, 2024

‘At Play’ exhibit generates vivid nostalgia

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor
October 4, 2024
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